ASHLAND — The Ashland County Airport Authority plans to seek state funding for a new 8,000-gallon above-ground fuel tank.
The Ashland County Board of Commissioners authorized the airport authority to apply for a $683,550 grant through the Ohio Department of Transportation during its meeting Tuesday morning.
Commissioner Michael Welch, board president, was authorized to accept and execute the grant if it is awarded. The grant — which would help fund an 8,000-gallon fuel tank project — would require an $82,450 local contribution from the airport authority if awarded.
The airport currently has an in-ground fuel tank, which holds about 10,000 gallons, according to commissioners.
“They’re hoping they can get the funds,” Welch said. “It sounds like ODOT has already authorized seven of these projects to other local airports, so they’re hopeful.”
Commissioner Jim Justice asked Welch if the airport planned to keep the in-ground tank along with the new 8,000-gallon tank if the project moves forward. Commissioners Welch and Denny Bittle responded that they’re unsure, but many smaller airports are shifting away from underground fuel tanks.
According to Mansfield Service Partners, a Texas-based fluid and fuel distributor, above-ground fuel tanks allow for easier access for inspections and maintenance, improved leak detection and an easier ability to relocate the tank itself if needed.
Terminal access road project
The fuel tank project is not the only initiative the airport authority currently has on its plate. A terminal access road connecting the Ashland County Airport to U.S. Route 42 is close to coming to fruition.
Commissioners approved three grant agreements with ODOT’s Office of Aviation back in April to help fund the access road project. The board functioned as the sponsor for the airport authority to submit the grant applications.
Once the existing road is rehabilitated, a new road that connects the airport to U.S. Route 42 — a project that has been in the works for years — will be constructed.
Construction is anticipated to begin June 1, Welch said in April.
“This has been in the works for a long time,” Justice said in April. “(It) will make access so much easier for people to find and to use.”
