Airport Commission Board approves $550K cap for fuel tank purchase

KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Airport Commission Board reviewed major infrastructure projects, staffing progress, and long-term planning during their Sept. 23 meeting, signaling continued investment in what board members called one of the county’s “best-kept secrets.”

Airport Director Joshua Raynor said the Daniels and Daniels hangar project is still in the midst of moving dirt and SM&E has concerns about water retention in some clay-heavy areas. Rehabilitation on the metal hangars is “sharpening its price” and planning how to handle it with available crews. The rehab will be done one hangar at a time to be able to move planes to the ramp and get work done during the airport’s work hours. A proposed $15,000–$20,000 change order would allow design work to remove a hill near the project area.

The Parrish & Partners taxiway project is nearing completion, pending final documents and a punch list with S.T. Wooten.

A key item on the agenda was approval to move forward with a contract allowing early procurement of fuel tanks for the airport’s new fuel farm — a move that starts a six-month lead time to keep construction on track for Spring 2026. The tank budget is capped at $550,000, with funding from five grants, most of which have already been secured.

The board also approved a work authorization for Michael Baker International to begin design work on the apron rehabilitation project, at a cost of $227,837. Separately, a site has been cleared for the airport’s upcoming Maintenance Building.

Raynor shared that the airport has received a Letter of Intent for Federal Discretionary Funding, advising them to prepare for runway rehabilitation in 2029. While 90% of the cost will be covered by federal funds, the airport is expected to contribute roughly $500,000. Planning must begin by 2026 due to funding timelines and restrictions. The rehabilitation will repave at least three inches.

The board discussed possible ways to raise the matching funds, including having the county set aside money annually over the next three years.  The runway was last updated in 2018, and it is expected to be upgraded every 10-15 years. The board authorized Raynor to begin working with the county manager on the funding plan.

In other business:

Approximately 85 acres of airport property, currently designated for hay and pasture use, is now open for farming bids. Interested farmers can contact the airport with bids on what they would be willing to pay to rent the land.

Raynor updated the board on staffing, noting that two new hires are performing well, and only one part-time position remains open.

“We are finally getting some much needed help here,” said Raynor. The board discussed employee retention and possible perks to encourage people to work for and stay at the airport.

“Right now, we only close Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It may be better to follow the county’s closures and give us 8-9 actual holidays off,” Raynor suggested.

Raynor plans to review records of actual usage during the holidays to confirm whether or not closure would be efficient and helpful.

Chairman Jack Alphin acknowledged the importance of the partnership between the airport and the county commissioners to make things work.

County Commissioner Dexter Edwards, who also serves on the Airport Commission Board, highlighted the airport’s role as a gateway to the county.

“The airport is the first impression for everyone who flies in,” he said. “We don’t know how many businesses have been sold on coming here based on just the hospitality and good impressions made of our county through our airport.”

Alphin noted that three of the county’s top businesses are actively working with the airport. The board approved a resolution to recognize their contributions formally.

“People who are involved understand it, but the majority of the taxpayers have no clue the secret treasure this place is,” Edwards added. “We are very guilty for not telling our own story, but we need to toot our own horn.”

Raynor encouraged public engagement and reminded residents that he is available to give airport tours upon request.

Operationally, the airport had sold 8,078 gallons of fuel as of the meeting date, representing 14% of its projected fuel sales revenue. In capital outlay, major expenses included a new lawn mower, a leased Ford Explorer, and a six-passenger golf cart to support airport operations.

The meeting adjourned following the budget update.