ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Delta County Airport is looking to move forward on an important equipment project.
Manager Robert Ranstadler has told both the Airport Advisory Board and County Commission that the airport’s aging fuel truck has been in need of “constant repairs” for some time. Following recommendations of consultants at Mead & Hunt and local organizations, Ranstadler hopes to purchase a new one.
“It’s fair to say that we’ve moved beyond the idea of holding on to the truck and trying to get any more life out of it because every subject matter expert I’ve approached about it has said that we need to replace it,” he told the Airport Advisory Board on Monday.
A new fuel truck with a 3,000-gallon tank could cost between $225,000 – $250,000. As the airport’s only means of fueling aircraft, Ranstadler says a trustworthy fuel truck is critical to daily operations.
“My concern is that if and when that truck fails, the worst-case scenario for us would be Delta flies in, they park the aircraft, passengers deplane, we wait for other passengers to come on, and then our truck doesn’t start and we can’t fuel the aircraft,” he said. “The question is what’s the most cost-effective and prudent way to go about replacing it now, and where do we get the money to do that?”
The Airport Advisory Board also discussed other projects it has been considering in the last few months, like the possibility of implementing a pay-to-park system. However, it was determined that since past parking lot projects were partially funded with federal grants, the parking lot cannot be used to generate revenue.
Click here for the most recent update on the Delta County Airport investigation.
