Norwalk-Huron County Airport (5A1) board boss gives facility a C-minus

Harry Brady believes there is a much potential at the Huron County Airport.

"Absolutely," said Brady, airport board president.

"First, we need to move out of the bickering stage and into progressing forward," he added.

The county commissioners currently are considering submitting a federal grant application. If those funds are approved, officials have said that money will go toward repairing the runway.

"The runway needs crack-sealing," Brady said. "That needs (to be) done. If we don't, we'll have to mill it down and totally repair it and that will be very expensive."

There are other areas in need of maintenance.

"I was just out changing light bulbs," Brady said about the runway lights.

"And, the main hangar building is in horrid shape," he said. "We could use that building for some real revenue possibilities, but first we have to put some money into it and repair it."

Brady said the roof leaks and there are drywall issues.

"Another more long-term goal is extending the runway into the 48 acres purchased at the west end," he said. "If we can extend the runway to 5,000 feet we can land the larger business jets."

The taxiways could also use work.

"The taxiways are so-so and OK for right now," Brady said. "We are finding some issues near the T-hangars with drainage and freezing."

Brady said the floors have been elevated due to freezing, causing issues with opening the doors.

"I found out that has been going on for several years and has never been fixed," Brady said. "One pilot had to put ramps there. That is something that needs addressed."

He said the airport recently lowered its fuel price from $5.79 to $5.50 per gallon, with the goal of being competitive.

Brady said he'd give the airport an overall grade of "C-."

"It's got a lot of wear and tear," he said. "Look around; you can see it's gone backward there.

"The airport used to host many more events. The main hangar had the museum and more airplanes and now we don't have the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) stuff going on and the Civil Air Patrol has moved out."

Source:   http://www.norwalkreflector.com