Frank Thompson, a Mike Sodrel staffer, Mary Ann Wise- Castner, local realtor, and Herman Strumpf appeared before the Ripley County commissioners’ meeting on Monday, September 25. The three were there to pitch the possibility of a Southeastern Indiana Regional Airport locating in Ripley County. They are asking that the commissioners consider an agreement to be the sponsoring political subdivision and support a developing “Airport Working Group.”

Thompson took the lead stating that Ripley County and surrounding areas are underserved by general aviation facilities. He said that small planes are the lifeblood of business and the economic development of an area like ours and as important as good roads. A regional airport would open the county for business, transportation, recreation and low cost agribusiness air services such as aerial seeding, spraying and spring nitrogen application for wheat. It would also provide space for local aviation enthusiasts to hangar their aircraft and ultralights. It would provide a site for aviation education including pilot training, aviation maintenance training, and science education for our children.

Thompson went on to explain that currently there are no runways except for Madison and North Vernon within four surrounding counties. The only exception is a runway at Aurora Casket that is used to store semi-trucks. Locations such as the Jefferson Proving Grounds and Hillenbrand in Batesville are not viable - the proving grounds because it is too close to the Madison airport and Hillenbrand because the runway is not properly configured.

Commissioner Chuck Folz posed the question, “Are we going to push it down the public’s throats if we have a roomful of opposition?” Herman Strumpf answered, “Opposition is good because it builds good strategies.” Thompson added that when public meetings were held regarding additions to the Madison facility, there was limited opposition and folks were there to negotiate. He stated that to minimize noise and congestion concerns, “We can easily find a rural place with a low population.” He also assured that citizens would have input into the planning.

Another question the commissioners had was who would own it? It would be operated by an airport board with members of participating counties involved. Thompson reported that high level FAA (Federal Aviation Agency) administrators and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association are very aware of how underserved we are and have pledged their support. Thompson suggested, “We have a window of opportunity here. The FAA wants to see a proposal and fast!”

Funding for a federally recognized airport is generous. Grants are a 95/5 percent match. According to Strumpf, supporting counties might have to invest an initial $500,000 to receive $10,000,000.00 in grants. Local monies may be obtained from local grants.

Commissioner Folz queried, “What about roads? Will we have to close some roads?” Strumpf fielded the question explaining that the whole package of an airport improvement grant includes roads. As an example, when the Madison runway was extended, Interstate Block Road was rerouted to bend south, and in Indianapolis a whole new interstate exchange was built to accommodate airport growth.

As regards to noise associated with an airport, the group reported that there would be no large passenger aircraft. Thompson and Strumpf also explained that Stage 2 aircraft are required to have “hush kits” for noise abatement and Stage 3 aircraft “are spooky how quiet they are.”

Thompson theorized that overall upwards of 1,000-2,000 acres would be needed for this development. An initial 200 acres could accommodate one runway, but in the long run, it would need to double or triple in size to build a second, cross-wind runway making the airport itself around 700 acres. The surrounding acreage can be used to foster local development. For instance, many airports rent out land to farmers for crops. In fact, the Dayton airport has cornfields growing.

The commissioners had several questions for the airport proponents. Commissioners president Robert Reiners questioned, “Are you going to hold public hearings? What is your process?” Thompson answered that if a regional airport seems feasible and doable, the first step would be to look into funding for an airport planner. He advised that INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) needs to be contacted to get them onboard. Strumpf added that the group could ask for pro bono advice to get the ball rolling. Thompson encouraged, “We have FAA verbal reaction, we have a need and this is a logical location.” Thompson elaborated, “From a timing standpoint, the FAA is going to spend these funds. Why not here?” Reiners asked what kind of timeframe they are looking at. Mary Ann Wise-Castner estimated two to five years, explaining “I’m looking at our county for future generations.”

Thompson went on to explain that the first thing necessary as far as the FAA is concerned is an inquiry from an initial sponsoring group such as the county commissioners. Castner concurred, “We need backing from an entity such as yourselves.”

Reiners then questioned, “What happens if people are not willing to sell?” Castner replied, “This is just a discussion. I don’t think any of us here are ready to address that.” Thompson supplied that economic development entities have been working on locating people interested in selling.
Reiners suggested, “Let’s have a public hearing and see what the feeling of the community is.” The commissioners agreed it would support an evening hours public meeting to be held sometime in mid-November. Reiners said, “Ripley County citizens should be the ones to be heard.” Folz explained it would be a question and answer, fact-finding meeting, adding, “Who knows? You might have 100% support for this.”

In other business, Ted Spurlock, Versailles town clerk-treasurer, requested that he represent the commissioners on the five-town board named to develop the new industrial/business complex. Commissioners approved the appointment with Reiners noting, “You’ve been a great guy to work with who has an interest in economic development.”

Mark Klosterkemper approached the commissioners regarding repairs to Bridge #9 on Cavehill Road. Klosterkemper reported it would take a minimal amount of work to fix it, advising, “If there’s sufficient rock it can be repaired with concrete and rebar.”

Troy and Carol Mathis came before commissioners concerning property on SR 129 in Cross Plains that they plan to use as an auction house. Mr. Mathis told the commissioners that he was informed he needed an auction arena license. Mathis explained that an arena license should only be necessary if they sell livestock, which they don't Mathis wants to hold benefit auctions in the building. "We've done $14,000 in improvements," he stated. He also said the building is insured and he has a food handling license. The commissioners told Mathis, "We can't come out and say it's okay," but stipulated that Mathis can go ahead with the one already scheduled auction.