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By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

Work recently began on a pair of grant-funded construction projects at the Elizabethton Municipal Airport.

Airport Manager Dan Cogan said the construction projects involve the installation of an above ground aviation fuel storage facility and the expansion of the north side aircraft parking ramp.

The work can be seen along Airport Road, which borders the airport.

“Currently, we store aviation fuel in underground storage tanks,” Cogan said. “Those tanks will ultimately be closed out and removed when the new fuel system is put into operation.”

The ramp expansion will increase the airport’s jet fuel storage capacity by 35% and north side aircraft parking and tie-down capacity by 40%, Cogan said.

Last year, the project was put out to bid. Summers-Taylor is doing all the site preparation and asphalt work for the project. The TPM Group of Bowling Green, Ky., was awarded the contract to install the above ground fuel tanks.

“In conjunction with this project, we will be making some security fence enhancements on the north side of the airport as well,” Cogan said.

The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Later this year, Cogan said the airport will also be conducting a state of Tennessee-funded full-field crack repair, seal coat, and markings upgrade.

“This project will enhance and extend the life of all airfield paved surfaces,” Cogan said.

Travelers on Airport Road will also notice some dirt that is being placed on the north side of Airport Road. Cogan said nothing is being built there. Excess soil from the job site is being moved to that side of the road and stored there “in case we need it for future development.”

According to last year’s bid process, the project consists of a 12,000-gallon Avgas fueling system and a 16,000-gallon Jet A fueling system.

Avgas is the type of aviation fuel used in small piston engine powered aircraft and Jet A fuel is simply fuel suitable for most turbine engine aircraft.

The entire project, which costs about $2 million, is funded by state and federal aviation grants.