Delaware City to apply for state grant to replace underground jet fuel tank

Public Works Director Bill Ferino told the Finance Committee on Aug. 28 that the city plans to apply in October for state grant funding to install a 20,000‑gallon above‑ground Jet A tank at the municipal airport. Ferino said the state had notified the city of about $12,000,000 in potential grant funding and that one eligible project is a fuel farm; he described the city’s planned application for up to $750,000 in 100% funding.

"We just received last week notification from the state that they have, dollars 12,000,000 in potential grant funding and 1 of the eligible projects is FUEL Farm," Ferino said, adding that if the city is successful it will likely seek a supplemental appropriation and move quickly because the funder wants awardees to build right away. Ferino said the above‑ground tank would replace the existing 35‑plus year old underground fuel system and include containment and security fencing.

Ferino also reminded the committee that other near‑term airport projects remain dependent on state or FAA funding: taxi‑lane paving around Hangars D, E and F is under construction this year, while the Hangar C1/C2 paving project is programmed next year but "pending funding, through the state." He said some projects in the CIP currently show only partial general‑fund allocations and that staff will seek grant and FAA dollars where possible.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the application authorization during the meeting; Ferino said staff and the city’s consultant would pursue the application and report back if the award is received.