Airport Committee Awards Tentative Terminal Renovation Contract

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – The April 28 meeting of the Clare County Airport Committee saw full attendance by members Gabe Ambrozaitis, Rickie Fancon and David Hoefling. After approval of the agenda and the previous month’s meeting minutes, attention moved to the Airport Manager’s Report. Emerson Corder informed that J. Ranck had completed its runway lighting work; that the egg drop had a great turnout of more than 200; and expressed appreciation for pilot Bob Ash’s air delivery of the Easter Bunny. Corder also noted that four contractor bids had been received for the terminal renovation project, remarking how good it was to see three were from local contractors.

Under Old Business, Committee Chair Gabe Ambrozaitis said he still had not heard back from CW3 Jeanotte of the Michigan Army National Guard regarding projects in 2026/2027. Ambrozaitis did say he would be seeing Jeanotte in June, and could learn more at that time.

He also noted that the Airport Layout Plan was ongoing with the assistance of the Clare County Road Commission, and that the taxiways and apron had been mapped out, with the first step of staking planned for the next day. He also thanked the CCRC again for its support of the airport.

Also listed was the 80D Segmented Circle and a planned visit to Clare Municipal to obtain a materials list for such. Ambrozaitis said that project is ongoing and will be getting done. [A segmented circle consists of colored blocks that surround the base of the wind sock, better enabling pilots to locate it.]

New Business focused on the MDOT Grant Opportunity for FY 2026. First was a review of bids presented for the rehabilitation of the terminal. The bids were scoured to determine what criteria had been adequately addressed, and whether additional items might have been included/ommitted. After all the apples and oranges were tallied up, a motion was approved to accept the bid from Erskine Enterprises LLC for $183,000 contingent upon receiving the MDOT-Aeronautics FY 2026 grant award in the same amount.

That was just the first of the projects to be pursued under the MDOT grant, the strategy being that if the requests were divvied up into seven components, there was greater likelihood of receiving funding and accomplishing at least some of them – and being able to complete them on MDOT’s truncated schedule.

The project breakout includes: Grid power to the hangars by Consumers Energy; Beacon light upgrade; Taxiways A/B/C/D, Apron Rehabilitation and Turf Runway 9/27 using lime, fertilizer and seed; Crack sealing of Runway 18/36; Harley Rake and Roller purchase for rehab/self-maintenance of grass surfaces; and the purchase of an Airport Operations Vehicle.

The potential wrench in this year’s grant process is timing, because as Ambrozaitis phrased it,
it is “a no extensions, no exceptions grant.” All proposed grant projects had to be submitted by May 1, and approved projects receiving funding would have to be completed/spent by the end of the fiscal year, which is Sept. 30. It that is not accomplished, no matter at what stage of completion, funding would have to go back to the state and local government would be on the hook for the contracted work.

Thus, the real sense of urgency to be timely was necessitating the prioritized incremental projects.

It was noted that the tentative plan for a June 27 Summer Fly-in (with a July 11 rain date) is still on track, and a planning meeting was scheduled for May 13.

Not experiencing the positive energy surrounding the progress of Airport 80D would be hard for anyone who has observed the diligent, steadfast dedication of Airport Manager Corder (who has invested a vast amount of personal labor into research, maintenance and improvements) and the knowledgeable and practical guidance of Airport Committee Chair Ambrozaitis (retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Army Air National Guard, and manager of Clare Municipal Airport). Those elements also have been emphatically supported by a committed community of flight enthusiasts and pilots.

That observance has not been lost on Fancon, who offered some comments, essentially noting his initial skepticism about the financial viability of the airport. However, seeing what has been accomplished thus far – as well as seeing the increase in plane traffic – has shifted his thinking. He emphasized his full support is now behind the plans for 80D. Fancon added that in addition to financial give-back that his company GFL provides to Hayes Township and Clare County, he proposed that if the new transfer station goes through, the same percentage as Hayes Township receives be given to support the airport for the life of the transfer station’s operation.

A question arose regarding the proposed transfer station and whether its height could interfere with the new runway proposed for the future. Corder responded that he had measured and transited the approach, and that he didn’t believe there would be any problem.

Another item noted was that the 80D survey had indeed been completed and been filed with the clerk.

Concerns were raised regarding safety procedures at the egg drop, and more control of kids around the planes was urged for next time, including a line placed to prevent people from approaching moving planes.

Pilot Tom Stier commended the work that all those involved have done for improving the airport, and that the results of that work are evident by the increased plane traffic.

Ambrozaitis reminded that the onsite restaurant (one of only five in the state) is very helpful and a “huge competitive advantage” with its $1.6 million impact to the community.

Corder spoke of comments he is hearing from pilots regarding the improved paved runway. He said about the only complaints he hears now are about the rough taxiways.

The Airport Committee meets next at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 in the Board of Commissioners Room in the Clare County Building, 225 W. Main St. in Harrison.