COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners decided Tuesday to pursue a recommendation from the Airport Board as the county has to borrow more money for the local share of a $1.2 million airport runway project.
The Airport Board recommended the county borrow $100,000 from the Michigan Department of Transportation airport loan program in order to cover the $25,000 local share, as well as $75,000 of FAA and MDOT discretionary funding.
The Michigan Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics is being blamed for the increased cost of the project, as internal administration issues led to two delays in the bid letting process since November 2018.
The County has already allocated $45,000 for the local share.
Engineering consultant Ben Hoover told Commissioners during their work session last Thursday there would be no hurry to repay the loan, as it can be paid back over 10 years. He added the amount that is not used for the local share can be paid back with future entitlement funds.
If there are no more delays, it’s hoped work on the crosswind runway can start in July 2019.
