Surprises take flight at Duplin Airport Commission meeting

KENANSVILLE — Last week’s Airport Commission meeting was full of surprises. Following the traditional dinner together, prayer, and approval of the minutes, the board took time to honor two people who have been instrumental to the airport’s development.

Wendell Murphy received a special resolution recognizing his life and legacy. Board Member Grey Morgan shared personal memories and acknowledged Murphy’s family in attendance, calling him a “visionary farmer and entrepreneur” who consistently supported infrastructure and economic development.

“You’ve always run your business the way one ought to be run. I have fond memories of listening to your dreams and dog-gone if they haven’t come true,” said Morgan. “With the airport, you’ve always seen the vision for why we needed an airport here, and you always helped us find money when we needed it.”

After Morgan read the resolution, the full room erupted with applause.

Murphy, one of the integral founders of the airport in the 1960s, reflected on his long-term involvement, including  being able to allocate $50,000 in discretionary funds to the airport in the 1980s when he was a politician.

“I am proud of the airport and privileged to have been a part of its history,” Murphy said.

Following Murphy’s award, all but one knew that a second surprise was coming.

“Tonight is a night of celebration,” Chairman Jack Alphin began. “We got a retired board member that we want to recognize as well.”

Joseph Bryant was presented with the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the state’s highest honor for private citizens, recognizing his 34 years of service.

“I’ve seen many a sunset here,” he recalled, “but I didn’t think I did that much.” On the contrary, his colleagues credited him for being part of the infrastructure necessary to get the airport off the ground. Alphin praised Bryant’s guidance in ensuring the airport’s responsible growth.

“We appreciate you holding our feet to the fire to make sure that every dollar we spent brought a dollar back to the county,” Alphin said. Overwhelmed with emotion, Bryant thanked colleagues as the room applauded.

The meeting then turned to routine business. Airport Director Joshua Raynor provided updates on several projects:

• Hangar Project. The airport has been dealing with persistently wet ground, prompting an adjustment to the underdrain system to improve overall drainage—a change that will also benefit pavement longevity. The board reviewed a $367,000 proposal for additional work to remove a problematic hill, including clearing, grading for proper drainage, tree and stump removal, and grass seeding. The board approved the change order, noting it will reduce future development costs and is more economical than completing the work as part of a new project.

• Taxiway Connector. The taxiway connector project is nearing completion. Reels have been repaired, and all areas requiring reseeding have been addressed. While the project records have been received, the team is still coordinating with S.T. Wooten to finalize the closeout process.

• Fuel Farm. A work authorization for the Fuel Farm construction phase has been sent out. The state has assigned a part-time inspector for critical tasks, such as burial of utilities. With all expected funding secured, the board approved advancing the $2 million project to the county board for final approval.

• Apron Rehab & Maintenance Building. A DOA grant has been secured for the Apron Rehab project, and subcontractors are being arranged. Cleanup at the Maintenance building site is complete, and one company has provided an estimate of $44,000–$45,000 to remove and replace topsoil. The board discussed options to reduce costs or seek additional bids. Given the contractor’s availability to do the work, the board agreed to vote remotely after Raynor negotiates the price.

Raynor also reported that the airport’s budget is on track. He noted staff changes, including the departure of a new employee due to conflicts with other business interests and plans to fill the position in November and the airport is applying for a third full-time position.

The board discussed canceling November and December meetings due to holidays. Raynor will let everyone know whether or not they need to meet each month at a time in advance of the scheduled meeting date.

Alphin concluded by thanking Raynor and Morgan for their efforts in honoring Murphy and Bryant, and the meeting adjourned.