Despite the urging of the board, Phend and Brown are determined to begin construction to widen and resurface the runway at the Plymouth Airport on May 4th. Both the Aviation Board and Troy Church of Plymouth SkySports want the construction to begin as soon as possible. The work will close the airport and force Plymouth SkySports to move their parachute operation to the Starke County Airport. They will continue to be based in Plymouth, but during construction they will have to bus jumpers to and from the Starke County Airport. A May start could push the airport closure into July which is the busy time for Plymouth SkySports. Phend and Brown argue that starting later will require fewer weather delays and get the job done with the airport closed for less time.
The airport board also agreed to rent more of the building to Plymouth SkySports at a rental fee of $85 per month. Church wants to have a parachute repair station at the Plymouth Airport.
There was a great deal of discussion about drainage on the south side of the property. Hunter transit has examined the drainage system and found blocks about 60 feet from each access points. The board authorized having them dig up a 20 foot section of the drain to check the material and the condition of the drain.
Hunter Transit was awarded a bid for $20,550 to clear the property and remove the stumps where the proposed AWOS (Automated Weather Observation Station) will go if funding can be found.
