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KENANSVILLE — Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes was welcomed to the Duplin County Airport Board meeting on March 24, as officials showcased progress on major projects and emphasized the airport’s role in the county’s growth.
“We are proud of our airport here. We think this is one of the gems of Duplin County, and it is our desire that this is an airport that shines light favorably on Duplin County. We work hard to see that happens,” said Board Chairman Jack Alphin, as he welcomed Hughes. “I am proud of the board we have and the work they do outside of this meeting to get support. We take our job seriously.”
After Hughes gave a brief introduction about her background, officials detailed ongoing improvements and future plans.
Airport Director Joshua Raynor provided an update on the hangar project. “All the doors and lights are up. They are painting exposed metal, polishing the floors, framing the office space, and starting on drywall. Next week they will put in windows and start pouring concrete,” Raynor said.
Raynor explained how the new apron would be constructed to match the existing one and detailed the rehabilitation work on the hangars. “Hangar 1 is almost done, and Hangar 2 will start on Thursday. Once they finish the community hangar, they will start reskinning the old T-hangars,” he said. Old metal removed during the project will be scrapped for the county.
Hunter Boniface updated the board on closing out funding for the completed taxiway connector project. “We made some progress on closing that one out. Today, our contact with the state approved it, so it will go on to one more level of review. We are hopeful we can take it off the list (have it paid) before next month,” Boniface said.
Boniface also confirmed that the fuel farm is “on pace” to start construction the first week of April and is expected to be completed in about three months. Raynor added that a fuel truck will be used to keep the airport running smoothly while the fuel farm is in transition.
Greg VanderMolen gave an update on the life-cycle cost analysis for the apron rehabilitation project. “DOA has approved our life cycle cost analysis that concrete is an acceptable way to go. They have not funded it yet, but we are hoping to complete (90% funding documentation) and hopefully get more good news shortly thereafter,” VanderMolen said. “We at least got them past that first step of saying concrete is okay–that’s a big step.”
The airport’s finance plans were discussed, outlining how the county and airport will cover the airport’s portion of the apron rehabilitation project. “It could get funded this year, but may be built next year (depending on the weather),” Raynor said.
He also provided an update on the airport maintenance building. “Preliminary soil testing has been done to be sure the area is ready for a prefabricated building. Our next step is to put in a request for proposals to get a building,” Raynor said. The board discussed access to the area during construction and potential building materials.
The proposed 2026-27 budget was presented, with Raynor explaining adjustments based on expected needs. Board members reviewed the operating budget for fuel sales and explored ways to attract and increase transient traffic. In March, the airport recorded 395 operations, sold 1,242 gallons of avgas and 15,000 gallons of jet fuel.
The board discussed sources of funding, potential growth for the county, and how commerce can benefit from flight access in the area. Alphin challenged everyone to embrace “out-of-the-box” thinking to “not miss opportunities” that are coming. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.
