Discussions underway for a new terminal for the Ashland County Airport

As the Ashland County Airport terminal rapidly approaches its 50th year in operation, initial discussions to build a new, 2,200-square-foot terminal are underway.

In late October, Tom Zupan, a board member for the County Airport Authority, gave a brief presentation at the Oct. 28 commissioners meeting, requesting that commissioners look into funding a new terminal at a cost of $572,000.

“We have submitted a formal request for a new terminal building,” said Zupan at the meeting. “The current building is undersized and not compliant with building codes and is absolutely dilapidated. Moreover it is not even close to being compliant with CDC recommended COVID-19 building specifications.”

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The Ashland County Airport Authority (ACAA) already has started planning to build a direct public access road from U.S. Route 42 by using carryover and future FAA entitlement funds.

“The new road will greatly improve traffic flow and also create additional hangar pad sites,” said a letter presented to commissioners.

Airport Manager Denny Baum said the current terminal is both outdated and too small for the 21st century.

“We are behind the times,” said Baum. “Our current terminal is a small, 50-year-old structure that has seen its better days.

“We have an office, a lounge area, two restrooms and a classroom all packed into an 840-square-foot area. The buildings and restrooms are not ADA compliant. It is impossible to maintain social distancing. There is not storage area. I could go on.”

“There really is no feasible remediation based on the age and condition of the building,” said Zupan. “For that reason and for future commercial development of the airport a new terminal is called for. We are not even close to being competitive with many other Ohio county airports in terms of infrastructure in terms of training pilots, flight training and other commercial activities.”

Several failed attempts at attracting new businesses

The letter also highlighted several failed attempts at attracting new businesses. Among those were the State Highway Patrol, Air Ambulance (for base of operation) and the creation of an Ashland University Flight School.

“We made a pitch to a company that provides Medevac Services to helicopters,” Zupan said “They man the facilities 24/7, so if there is an emergency call there is a ship and a crew ready to take off. They declined our offer principally on the basis of the poor conditions of the facilities.

“We had also made a pitch to Ashland University to set up a flight school and ultimately that failed,” Zupan added. “There really just isn’t a facility in the current terminal building that can support ground school.”

AerOhio addition helps Ashland County Airport

Zupan said the potential economic gain for a new terminal may best be illustrated by the addition of AerOhio, LLC.

“Last year we expanded our infrastructure to accommodate AerOhio, LLC,” said Zupan. “(They) located their business operation to our field which has greatly increased economic activity substantially. In addition, AerOhio purchases over 20,000 gallons of jet fuel annually which has improved the operating income of the county airport. AerOhio moved their business less than two years ago.

“Despite the impact of the COVID pandemic, they have set company records in revenue and customer count, the majority of which travel and in some cases, stay in Ashland," Zupan added. "2021 revenue increased by 20% over 2020 with several weeks left in the season. To date AerOhio has conducted 23,700 jumps from our airport that drew over 7,500 skydiving customers and spectators to the airport the past two years.”

“I do believe that going forward that the board has been very active on looking 20 to 30 years down the road,” said Commission President Denny Bittle. “So a lot of what we do is a long-term look and, if you look at this facility, I do believe it would make sense. I think we are at an economic disadvantage to other local airports. I think it has cost us some projects.”

Commissioner Mike Welch said bringing in other groups to use the airport could offer an economic boost.

“And to build on that,” said Welch, “if we were able to get the (highway) patrol to base their planes there or a Medevac, they also buy fuel. And lots of it. I am thinking it’s a building block.”

Zupan also talked about the potential revenue or impression for the Ashland business community.

“I don’t know how many businesses from Ashland use the airport for corporate travel,” said Zuppan. “But I think it would be a pretty lengthy list.”

New facility is crucial for increased usage and economic gain

Baum said a new facility is crucial for increased usage and economic gain.

“With the increased activity we have been able to generate here at the airport the last few years, a new public use facility would undoubtedly play a key role in attracting more ,aviation activity and businesses," Baum said. “The terminal building is the hub and first impression for people that are passing through or those that fly in because they have a commercial interest in doing business in Ashland County.”

Both commissioners also talked about first impressions being key.

“I think it is important that when people come in, especially if they are flying in, that is not a good look for Ashland County when they fly up to the current terminal,” said Bittle. “It is just not professional looking. It’s outdated and definitely needs a replacement.”

“When you have people come into the airport, that is the face of the airport,” said Welch. “And a new building would be enticing. I know that when you look at criteria points with businesses looking to move into your area, a viable airport is extremely important.”

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland County Airport looking to build a new terminal