Thursday, July 19, 2001
The private hangar will be the third built at the airport in two years.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
VIENNA -- Warren Fabricating and Machining intends to build a hangar at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.
Thomas P. Nolan, director of aviation, announced the plan Tuesday during a meeting of the Western Reserve Port Authority, which operates the airport.
Nolan said Warren Fabricating has ordered a jet aircraft and wants to complete construction by year's end.
It would be across from the Cafaro Co. hangar and be the third private hangar built at the airport in two years.
Revenue: The airport generates revenue from private hangars through a long-term lease of the land and a fuel surcharge.
Board member Martin Soloman recommended that Nolan first negotiate the financial terms of the deal as the basis for the overall contract.
The board approved an application to the Federal Aviation Administration to continue its passenger facility fee.
The $3 is paid by each customer and is added to the cost of the price of a ticket by the airlines. The carriers pay the fee to the airport monthly.
Nolan said that revenue is used as the local share for capital improvements.
The fee will remain at $3 for the next three to five years, Nolan said, although there are provisions for an increase.
The airport has collected about $450,000 from the fee in 41/2 years.
YSU: Dennis A. Clouse, director of planning and construction at Youngstown State University, told the board that university officials want to determine if there is a need for an aviation program at YSU.
Clouse said YSU is forming a focus group to explore the need for a program that might include airport management and technology.
YSU has elements such as business and engineering programs to support an aviation curriculum.
Board member William Reali said the state auditor has completed its 2000 audit of the airport with no findings for recovery of funds.
The report will be released by the auditor in several weeks, he said.
Martin Soloman, another board member, indicated that the hiring of the Mahoning County Auditor's Office to oversee airport finances may have played a role in the lack of findings.
In addition, the board hired Ben Gumont as an operations/maintenance specialist at $10 an hour. He replaces Jim Emler, who resigned.
Nolan said the job needed filled to maintain operational safety.