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Runway extension put on fast track
Fort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday elected to pursue what city officials are calling a unique opportunity for the Fort Scott Municipal Airport.
City Manager Dave Martin and other city officials presented information on an economic development proposal involving bringing a new jet repair station to the airport, as well as extension of the airport runway. Officials with the engineering firm of Olsson and Associates were also on hand to provide information on the proposed improvement project.
Martin said this is a business opportunity the city doesn’t want to lose.
“This is an exciting opportunity and we wanted to reach out and take it,” Martin said. “We’ve got to move forward.”
Martin said this is the first step in the process and “I have no idea how we’ll fund what’s coming up,” but he wanted to get started on the process and keep commissioners in the loop on what the project will entail.
He said members of the Airport Advisory Board are “adamant about moving forward” with the project.
Director of Economic Development Rachel Pruitt said she has recently researched airports and informed commissioners the city has an “MRO” (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) opportunity.
Spectra Jet, Inc., a certified aircraft repair station based in Springfield, Ohio, is looking to expand into the Midwest. The company performs mechanical work on Lear and Challenger jets. The runway expansion is needed to house those models of aircraft.
Pruitt said the company is interested in expanding into Fort Scott and relocating eight jet engine mechanics here. She said this could have a positive impact on the airport and open up several business opportunities.
“This has a huge impact on a community,” she said. “Kansas is barely in the top 10 states in money brought in through the aviation industry.”