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The Sullivan County Commissioners received an update from NavalSupport Activity Crane's new commanding officer during their secondscheduled September meeting.

Actually, it was a day/night doubleheader of sorts, as NSA Cranes newCommanding Officer, Cmdr. Luis G. Martinez, first met with SullivanMayor Clint Lamb earlier in the day on Monday, Sept 18 to update himon continued operations at the NSA Cranes Lake Glendora Test Facilityas well as future operations in support of continued Department ofDefense missions.

We look forward to telling our service members and our civilianemployees how the City of Sullivan is planning for the future growthof their city, said Cmdr. Martinez after the meeting with Mayor Lamb.

Later that night, Martinez addressed the Sullivan County Commissionersand assembled participants at their monthly meeting that was held atthe Sullivan County Courthouse.

Cmdr. Martinez expressed that open and continued communicationsbetween NSA Crane and the county commissioners and the residents ofSullivan County is what will help NSA Crane to continue to have a goodrelationship. NSA Cranes Lake Glendora Test Facility near Sullivanhas an ongoing mission that is in direct support to many of theDepartment of Defenses priority efforts for the national defense.

We are successful by being good neighbors, said Cmdr. Martinez tothe commissioners.

During the commissioners meeting, the Sullivan County Airport wasapproved for $74,250 of American Rescue Plan Funds for a new runwaylighting system to supplement the $1.4 million project.

"The improvement is replacing the runway's lighting system, which isdated circa 1985, at a cost of $1.4 million," said Airport Boardmember Dan Pirtle at a previous meeting.

At the Sept. 18 meeting, Pirtle said they will soon be replacing allthe runway, taxiway lights, wind sock, and getting a tower that willfold down to make it easier to change bulbs. "You don't have to have abucket truck or something," he noted.

Pirtle said the local airport started on the design phase two yearsago, and the project has been approved by the Federal AviationAdministration and the state of Indiana.

"These projects are funded 90% by the federal government, by the(Federal Aviation Administration)," Pirtle explained. "The money comesfrom ticket sales, taxes on fuel of aircraft. It's been a Godsend tosmall town airports like Sullivan. These projects are immenselyexpensive. The other 10% is 5% local match, 5% by the state."

Pirtle explained they already had asked the Sullivan County Councilfor their support who he said indicated their supports and suggestedthey approach the commissioners about the ARPA funding option.

"We've got $1.5 million hanging in the air out there over $74,250 and I understand that's not a small number but the return is quitenice," he added.

Commissioner John Waterman asked if all the airport's hangars arerented now, and Pirtle responded yes, noting they have six people onthe waiting list right now.

"Nationwide there is a huge aircraft hangar shortage and the FAA hasextra money allotted for hangar construction," Pirtle said. "The FAArequires a five-year plan and so we have to update that every year andwe will probably update and include a hangar sometime in the next fiveyears because we feel we can fill it pretty quickly."

Moments later Waterman made the motion to fund the airport throughARPA funds for $74,250, seconded by commissioner Bob Davis. Withcommissioners' president Ray McCammon's support, the commissionersapproved 3-0.

The airport's request was finalized by the Sullivan County Council attheir meeting on Sept. 25.

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Commissioners, mayor meet with NSA Crane's new commanding ... - Sullivan Daily Times