Airport Authority looking to enhance future of Holmes facility
The proposed new hangar for the Holmes County Airport will be able to house more planes, both larger ones and smaller ones, which will create more income for the Airport Authority.
After finally putting the finishing touches on the Holmes County Health District building on Glen Drive in Millersburg, Holmes County Commissioners are turning attention to another major project they view as important to the growth of Holmes County.
The board of commissioners met with a trio of board members from the Holmes County Airport Authority on Thursday, Feb. 6 to discuss moving forward on a large new hangar at the Holmes County Airport that would enable larger air traffic.
“This is a commitment to Holmes County on a project that we believe is incredibly important to moving our county forward,” Commissioner Dave Hall said. “We have a lot of businesses that are growing and utilizing the airport and many people wanting to fly in to visit our county, so this isn’t just a pipe dream. It’s opportunity for us to help take our airport to the next level through federal grants and supporting this vision on a local vision.”
The commissioners are in agreement a newer and larger airport facility with greater capabilities will allow the county to grow even more in the future. Thus, they have committed funding in the budget to support the airport growth.
Airport Authority board member Roc Baker and Josh Troyer joined airport manager Larry Clark at the meeting and brought with them their vision.
The first and most important step is opening the door to the razing of the old hangar and the construction of a larger hangar that would house much larger planes than the airport is currently able to house for overnight or lengthier stays from visiting air travelers.
That portion of the construction would be a nearly $2.5 million investment, and the commissioners have already put funding in place to support that effort.
The project includes several other elements including the building of a new terminal tower (estimated $1.9 million), further excavation ($1.5 million) and T-hangars ($2 million).
For now the commissioners and Airport Authority will fix attention on phase one, the large hangar.
In presenting their picture of the future, the Airport Authority presented its new mission statement, created with an eye on growth and promoting Holmes County.
The new mission of the Airport Authority says, “We want to position Holmes County Airport as the gateway to Amish Country by providing convenient access for local businesses, a safe training environment for new pilots and a welcoming facility for visitors — delivering excellence and hospitality at every step.”
As a newcomer to the Airport Authority’s board, Troyer is eager to make an impact and help the organization fulfill its new mission.
Baker called Troyer the future of the Airport Authority, calling him a great planner and organizer who is very knowledgeable. Troyer, a Georgia native, then spoke briefly about his background.
“I was a pilot in Georgia, and I moved up here about 10 years ago,” Troyer said. “I realize first impressions are everything, and that’s why I’m here today, I want (the airport) to make a good first impression on the next person who flies into Holmes County.”
Troyer and his father are the co-owners of VizTech in Berlin.
After introductions Baker discussed the responsibilities of the Airport Authority.
“The Airport Authority’s responsibility is taking care of the commissioners’ asset, the county’s asset,” Baker said. “That is a sizable value. We are not a paid board, but we are managing a county commissioners’ asset, and we report to you.”
He also said they deal with the FAA, which allots them annual funds to work on projects.
Baker said the airport has plenty of improvement plans on tap including using a current FAA grant of $42,000 to reconstruct a taxiway to help support heavier flight equipment.
Those larger flights will require a larger hangar.
The commissioners discussed several different scenarios concerning the requested funding for the series of upgrades and buildings including the need for larger upgraded sewer and water systems, should this growth take place.
Commissioner Joe Miller suggested creating an updated lounge and restroom area in the current terminal facility to create more comfort and a more welcoming place for visitors flying into the county.
“Twenty-four/seven access to restrooms and a pilot’s lounge would be helpful,” Troyer said. “One of the other things I’d love to see is a conference room for business people flying in from different parts of the country. It would make a great impression on people.”
Troyer presented the commissioners with floor plans for a two-story terminal.
Clark said the new hangar would provide instant revenue income from people storing planes in the hangar, something for which he said they already have requests.
Eventually, discussion centered around the county supporting this project rather than having the FAA get involved because it provides more freedom to follow plans that best suit the county’s needs.
Both groups agreed this project is a necessity for the county.
“We’ve talked about this at length, and it’s important for Holmes County to move ahead, and we want to do something,” Miller said.
“It’s a highway to this county,” Baker said.
With the continued growth of air travel into and out of Holmes County, both parties agree the airport will continue to take on a greater role in the county and its economy, and creating an airport that is inviting and provides a good first impression is something that is worth investing in.