prioritize future projects systematically. “We’ve just put a top five thing together on upgrades,” Farmer explains.“It looks like our taxiway is probably going to be the next thing that we resurface. Everything else is in very, very good condition.” The planned taxiway work includes reconfiguring the ramp area to meet updated Federal Aviation Administration standards. “The FAA doesn’t want the taxiway to lead directly straight into the apron. They want it to kind of turn and turn again,” he notes. “It’s just a regulation thing.” Recent technology upgrades include a new automated weather observation system. “We got a new AWOS system that just got installed with the weather,” Farmer says.The facility may refresh its FBO lounge area within the next few years, though such improvements rank as aesthetic rather than essential. “We have a very nice airport that doesn’t need a whole lot,” he observes.The condition contrasts with facilities requiring runway replacements or terminal renovations, giving Sandusky County flexibility to focus resources on growth initiatives rather than basic maintenance. AVAILABLE SPACE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The airport maintains two 10,000-square-foot heated hangars, a significant asset in a market where general aviation operators increasingly demand climatecontrolled facilities. Each hangar currently houses one of two life flight medical helicopters, occupying 5,000 square feet per unit. The arrangement leaves substantial available space for commercial tenants. “Each helicopter occupies 5,000 feet of each space,” Farmer clarifies, meaning both hangars offer 5,000 square feet of immediately leasable area.The heated capacity provides year-round operational capability, particularly valuable for corporate operators in Ohio’s variable climate. Aside from existing structures, the airport offers flexible arrangements for expansion. “We would offer it to private investment first,” Farmer says. “If somebody would like to construct hangar space, whether that’s for general aviation or commercial, we would offer them a very attractive land lease.” The board remains open to direct construction under specific conditions.“We are not opposed to building hangars and funding the construction of those with the right situation. If we had a corporate tenant with a long-term lease or something to that nature, we would certainly explore that.” “We got a couple ways we could explore that,” Farmer notes. “One way we could explore that through our internal budget and the other way we could explore that is we have some private investors in the area that would be interested providing we brought them the right deal.” The existing T-hangar capacity has reached its limit, creating immediate demand for 236 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11
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