Gogebic-Iron County Airport Board approves purchase of new trucks

By ZACHARY MARANO

zmarano@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood — The Gogebic-Iron County Airport Board agreed to purchase two trucks at its regular meeting on Monday morning.

Airport manager Michael Harma reported to the board that his search for a new or used jet fuel truck has been fruitless because he has been unable to find one with the desired type of engine. Board member Brandon Snyder suggested they purchase the rental truck the airport has been using instead.

The board authorized Harma to negotiate the purchase of the rental from the vendor at a cost not to exceed $185,000. Provided that the vendor offers a reasonable price, Harma said he will email the board and at least three board members will come together for a special meeting to approve the purchase.

The board also approved the purchase of a new airport operations truck from a vendor in southern Wisconsin. Brandon Snyder said the airport manager should compare the cost of purchasing the truck with a plow attached to the cost of purchasing the plow elsewhere as an accessory and go with the less expensive option.

In his report to the board, Harma said that airport staff completed some fire training in Marquette on Thursday and Friday. He said that they also submitted their last storm water report to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and they will finalize the summary report on the project and submit to the Michigan Department of Transportation for approval.

EGLE will test the samples for PFAS, a chemical used in foam used to fight fires and as part of fire fighting drills at airports. According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, PFAS are widely used and found in water, air and soil, and have been linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

Harma said that they have no new information on whether they were awarded the airport improvement grant that they applied for. At a previous meeting, Harma said that the grant would be used for a midfield taxiway and that construction engineering company has already been awarded a contract for this project, but they can’t move forward until they receive approval from Congress.

If and when they receive approval, Harma said he would schedule a special meeting so they can move forward as quickly as possible. Harma said that it is important that they complete the project before the 2022-2023 winter season, because they cannot start the project and finish it next year.

Harma also said that with the passing of seasons, airport staff are starting spring maintenance on their winter equipment and getting ready to mow the lawns regularly.