Foothills Airport T-hangar moves forward amid funding delays

The construction of a multi-bay T-hangar and the extension of the parallel taxiway at Foothills Regional Airport remain on track, despite delays in grant funding that will require the airport to tap its own funds to keep work on schedule.

The Foothills Regional Airport Authority’s March 5 meeting saw extensive discussion on the progress of its hangar and parallel taxiway, as well as the financial strategies to manage a short-term funding gap.

The authority has secured award letters for state and federal grants to cover costs for the T-hangar. However, grant funds have still not been transferred to the authority. Until the funding is released, the airport may need to cover initial construction expenses out of pocket for the first few months.

In the meantime, the authority unanimously approved using reserve funds to pay Mountaineer Contractors LLC to avoid work delays. Once the grant money comes through, the airport will reimburse its accounts. Steady revenue from fuel sales, aircraft services, and annual contributions from Burke County, Caldwell County, Morganton, and Lenoir have built a solid reserve.

The new T-hangar is a priority for Foothills Regional, which serves general aviation aircraft in Burke and Caldwell counties. The planned hangar will provide additional sheltered space for private planes, helping alleviate the queue of 74 pilots seeking a home for their aircraft.

Airport Assistant Manager Derek Brown explained that the demand for hangar space should generate extra rental revenue and fuel sales once the hangar is up and running. Site preparation for the T-hangar is expected to begin in late spring.

Also during the meeting, Airport Manager Brent Brinkley recommended the Authority board award the contract to erect the hanger to Fulfab, a national hanger design company.

Fulfab’s bid of $223,000 with a $20,000 down payment was the lowest bid of all offers received by the Authority.

The parallel taxiway extension is also still on track. The project will partially extend the taxiway to Division of Aviation (DOA) standards, allowing aircraft to taxi to and from either end of the runway without backtracking on the runway itself. The extension will reduce delays for takeoffs and landings.

According to Brinkley, safety isn’t the only benefit. An extended taxiway will also give the Authority a competitive edge when applying for grant funding for future projects.

Pat Turney, Foothills Airport engineer consultant, recommended that the board pursue rock excavations of the site for an estimated $25,000.

Design work and permitting for the extension are awaiting 100% plan approval from the DOA. The Authority expects to complete the taxiway extension by early 2026.

The airport also completed $5,000 in repairs on its Ground Power Unit, which allows aircraft engines to keep running during pre-flight checks and passenger boarding.