though, that is very outdated. So, we saw the need for a facelift. But once we got started, we ended up taking it the full gamut: We have a new sales counter, high-end, tile flooring throughout the building, and new lounges – all to make the customer experience more welcoming.” “We designed a new parking lot with modern, up-todate entrances with canopies on both the air side and the parking lot side. We spent about a quarter of a million dollars and we’re almost done with that one, but it was worth it. When you have Fortune 500 jets sitting out there, you want to make sure you have your best foot forward.” A value-added aspect of the FBO modernization project recognizes MVN’s active planning for the eventual landing of an EV aircraft carrier. “We have the conduit in the ground for an EV charger for an airplane and a couple of EV chargers for cars,” Collins reveals. “We haven’t bought the chargers, there’s little market, and nobody is helping with the funding, but, at least, the conduits are in the ground because we’re planning for sustainability. We’re also in development for a solar project, not to sell power, but to take a bite out of some of our big power bills here at the airport.” Mount Vernon Outland Airport’s potential solar power initiatives include installing solar panels on two hangar buildings, and the possible leasing of some of the airport’s unused fields to solar developers. Mount Vernon Outland Airport is replacing its ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting) truck, which is used to respond to aircraft accidents both at the airport and elsewhere. “The fire truck that serves the airport, at the moment, is a 2005-year model,” says Collins. “So, we’re knocking on the window of that 20-year life and we’ve been working very hard to replace our aging truck. We want to be proactive, not reactive. Our 24/7 ARFF station, manned by our city fire department, serves the entire eastern side of our town, plus the airport. It is manned by very qualified people and has the latest technology on 328 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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