The Jefferson Airport Commission is looking to add another amenity and upgrade a current structure that is anticipated to happen later this year.

City Administrator Scott Peterson says the Airport Commission wants to improve the current aviation fuel system and install a new jet fueling station.

“A couple of years ago, they had extended the length of the runway, (and) we can serve small jets out there. But the fact is that small jets really aren’t likely to stop there if they’re not able to fuel. So we do want to get a fuel system in place out there, and we also know that some of the existing tenants out there and our ag applicators, they use jet fuel. There is a need and we would work through this project to get it done.” 

As part of the project, Peterson details that the estimated $1.02 million project would be fulfilled by a Federal Aviation Administration grant for 95 percent of the cost, with only a five percent local match. Peterson points out that the City Council approved at the January 28th meeting a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Airport Commission of a repayment plan, as he explains how that process will work.

“So the City would fund the dollars up front that’s needed for the project, and it’s just funded out of the general fund So the repayment occurs through fuel sales. So the commission, they promised 50 percent of the profits from the fuel sales that would come back to the City until the total amount has been repaid.”    

The City Council also approved a contract with engineering firm Bolton and Menk for the project designs, and Peterson anticipates bid letting to happen this spring. He adds that construction would most likely start this summer and be completed next year.