Finance committee forwards grants and $263,120 appropriation to replace airport PAPI lights

The Russellville City finance committee voted July 16 to forward two grant applications and a $263,120 appropriation from the economic development fund to the full council to replace the Russellville Municipal Airport's precision approach path indicator (PAPI) lights and fund a flight check.

The committee's recommendation covers authorization for the mayor and city clerk/treasurer to apply for and accept two grants for the airport’s PAPI replacement and related flight check. Chairman Keller moved to forward Items 3 and 4 with a recommendation of approval; the motion was seconded and the committee approved it.

Mr. Karp, the airport representative who answered council questions, described the PAPI system's function and lifespan: "They'll last about 15 to 20 years," he said, explaining the lights tell pilots whether they are on the correct glide slope. He also clarified funding oversight during discussion: the committee and Mr. Karp identified the Arkansas aeronautics division (state) as the relevant aviation authority for the grants rather than a federal agency.

The appropriation request in Item 4, as read into the record by Chairman Keller, was $263,120 from the economic development fund (fund 27) to be used to purchase replacement PAPI lights. The committee did not change the funding source at the meeting; it forwarded the request and the grant authorizations to the full council for final consideration.

The committee recorded general agreement to forward the items; no final contract award or expenditure was made at the finance meeting. The full council will consider the grants and appropriation at its next meeting.