Airport to get $385,553 in FAA funds

When $478 million in airport infrastructure grants were announced Wednesday, the Putnam County Regional Airport was among the beneficiaries.

The local airport was one of 15 Indiana facilities to receive Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The $385,553 will be used to install perimeter fencing around the airport on Greencastle’s east side.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the grants, noting the investment will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation.

With the runway repaved and lengthened at the airport several years ago, a primary area of concern is now the fencing. While a 2008 grant installed fencing most of the way around the property, the acquisition of the former Dixie Chopper Business Center changes things slightly for the Putnam County Airport Authority.

Jason Clearwaters, airport project manager for Butler, Fairman & Seufert Inc., explained the project.

“The previous fencing grants enclosed all of the airport with the exception of the area around the then Dixie Chopper Business Center. With the acquisition last fall, the airport will now finish the complete project,” Clearwaters said. “Also included is to retrofit a wildlife deterrent buried apron under the oldest section of fence.

“There are also some drainage improvements around the original fence installed in 2008.”

While fencing in the area of the former Dixie Chopper Business Center will improve security and safety, the improvements to the existing fence might be just as important.

By installing a buried wildlife apron on the original 5,000 feet of fence from 2008, animals can be kept from burrowing under the fence as well as going through it.

Likewise, the project will make it more difficult for any unauthorized people to enter the facility.

Nationwide Construction of Richmond, Mich., submitted the lowest bid and has been chosen to complete the project.

Other airports around the state receiving AIP funding include Monroe County Airport in Bloomington, Columbus Municipal Airport, Mettel Field in Connersville, Delphi Municipal Airport, Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers, Goshen Municipal Airport, Eagle Creek Airpark in Indianapolis, Indianapolis International Airport, La Porte Municipal Airport, Logansport/Cass County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport in McCordsville, Freeman Municipal Airport in Seymour, Perry County Municipal Airport in Tell City and Arens Field in Winamac.

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

The FAA will award grants to 232 airports in 43 states, including American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals.

The construction and equipment supported by these grants is meant to enhance safety and capacity while promoting economic growth in the regions served by each airport.