Published: November 28, 2009 10:01 pm      

Group: Airport’s outlook bright

EBENSBURG — After more than a decade of debate about management and funding, the Ebensburg Airport is now running smoothly and has a bright future.

The nonprofit group running the facility is looking for ways to generate revenue, and wants to carve out the area along Route 22 for seasonal vendors.

In a win-win arrangement, revenue would go toward airport operation and improvements, said James Estep, president of the group. The optimistic message was delivered to borough officials Monday by the nonprofit group that has been running the facility since late 2007.

Borough Manager Dan Penatzer described airport operations as “a well-oiled machine” and said the current administration is doing a standout job.

“There’s been runway improvements, they’ve bought two pieces of snow removal equipment, and put a concrete floor in one hangar,” Penatzer said.

“The difference is like night and day,” he said, referring to chronic problems and maintenance issues that had plagued the facility for years.

The trouble began in 1996, when the borough formed an authority to manage and operate the airport. By 2000, and amid bitter debate, council abolished the authority and voted to close the airport, saying it was too expensive and benefited only a few people.

But by 2001, and with calls from supporters to keep the airport, the nonprofit Regional Aviation Conservation and Recreation Association was formed to take over operations and expenses.

Under terms of the lease, the association is responsible for all operational expenses and receives any income generated.

That relieves the borough of any expense for airport operations, and Penatzer said the arrangement is working well.

Just last year, the airport was awarded $30,000 in state funds to repair outdated equipment at the fuel facility.

The grant is part of a state investment of nearly $3 million for 16 airports to improve safety and facility maintenance.

Funding for the grants comes from the state’s jet fuel tax and is administered by PennDOT’s Bureau of Aviation.