Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is proposed to be one of six projects selected to receive grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Mineral Resources Management (MRM).
Due to the airport’s location adjacent to historical mining activities, it is eligible for the ODNR’s Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program (AMLER).
“We have made it our mission to address abandoned mine lands across the state,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “These projects will result in an economic boost through industrial and commercial development, and potential increased tourism that will allow Ohioans to enjoy these lands for generations to come.”
The grant funding of $2 million will go towards the construction of an airport-owned aircraft hangar on the west side of the airfield. Currently, there is no available hangar space on the airfield, hindering the ability to increase aeronautical activity and revenue for the self-sustaining airport.
“The demand for modern hangar space is at an all-time high with an increase in private and corporate flying,” said Lisa Dalpiaz, Vice President of Air Service & Business Development at Akron-Canton Airport. “As we work to increase hangar space at CAK, it allows us to generate new airfield lease revenue, fuel flowage and landing fees, and increase the number of jobs on the airfield.”
The resulting increase in revenue from hangar rentals and associated fuel sales will play a vital role in sustaining ongoing airport operations.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to construct much-needed hangar space to allow growth at CAK,” said Ren Camacho, Akron-Canton Airport President and CEO. “We foresee this project as being a catalyst to the West Side Development Area.”
The projects are pending preliminary eligibility approval from the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).
