Fort Wayne Airport Needs Extra $7.8M

July 28, 2005
The airports 2006 budget could be sizably more than this years, if approved by the Airport Authority.

Fort Wayne International Airport has more than $7.8 million in projected unplanned expenses for 2005, though less than half that amount will come from the airports pocket.

The Airport Authority will hold a public hearing and vote Aug. 8 on whether to approve the funds. Also, the airports 2006 budget could be sizably more than this years, if approved by the Airport Authority. The budget for 2005 is $15,340,309.

Its unusual for airport officials to ask for additional money, said airport Treasurer Rick McElroy, because underspending in one area often covers overspending in another. But this years purchase and demolition of the Days Inn motel near the airport, and the subsequent parking improvements, were unforeseen by the board and not budgeted.

The airport will be liable for nearly $3.3 million of the additional costs. The remainder will come from the state and federal government, which covers about 98 percent of the more than $4 million in additional FAA projects, consisting mostly of runway improvements at the airport.

The new 600-vehicle parking lot will cost about $3.1 million.

About $2 million will come from the airports reserves.The remainder is expected to come from federal grants.

The proposed 2006 airport budget is $22.6 million, which is $7.3 million more than 2005s. McElroy said the increase stems from a $7 million runway repair project slated for next year. The Smith Field Airport budget, set at about $1.8 million, is included in the overall budget.

A public hearing on the 2006 budget will also be Aug. 8, with a vote scheduled for Aug. 22.

- What: Public hearing on a request for additional funds in the 2005 budget, and the complete 2006 budget proposal
- When: 3 p.m. Aug. 8
- Where: Airport Authority Conference Room, Suite 210, Lt. Paul Baer Terminal Building
- Personal services: $5,003,335
- Supplies: $859,384
- Other services and charges: $5,676,150
- Capital outlay (construction): $11,153,600
- Total: $22,692,469

Total
- 2005 budget: $15,340,309