Council approves funds for airport upgrade

The Olney City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 12 to allocate $15,000 toward an Airport Layout Plan (ALP), a federally required project that will position the city to access future grants for the airport’s development.

The ALP, which costs $150,000 in total, is 90 percent funded through federal and state money administered by TxDOT Aviation. Olney’s contribution of 10 percent ensures the project moves forward, providing an essential survey of the airport’s facilities, including taxiway visibility, wind studies, and compliance with FAA standards.

City Administrator Simon Dwyer explained that completing the ALP is necessary for Olney to be eligible for federal aviation grants in the future. “By having this completed, it puts us in a stronger position compared to other communities that haven’t done this,” Mr. Dwyer said. “It gives us a higher ranking for funding opportunities.”

Mayor Rue Rogers highlighted the importance of the plan for Olney’s aviation needs, noting support from local stakeholders, including Air Tractor, the airport’s manager. “This is good for the airport and good for their operation,” Mayor Rogers said, referencing conversations with Air Tractor’ President Jim Hirsch and TxDOT aviation specialist Dakota Shaw.

Mr. Dwyer emphasized that the funding, which comes from 20222023 federal allocations, may not be available in the future. “If we don’t act now, we’d likely face another year of waiting for funding,” he said.

Councilmember Thea Sullivan inquired whether the City could cover its share of the cost, and Mr. Dwyer confirmed that it could. The Council approved the measure without opposition.

“This positions us for greater potential gains,” Mayor Rogers said. “The $15,000 investment is far outweighed by the benefits.”