Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
The Sidney Airport Authority Board met with Jeff Wolfe, of M.C. Schaff & Associates, June 10, to discuss options for updating the facility.
The airport authority board has been researching how to increase and improve hangar space. Discussions have included type of hangars – t-hangar vs box, where to build them and at what cost. The board has also discussed if hangars could be sold
In Thursday's meeting, Wolfe said a six-place t-hangar building would cost about $1.3 million. The estimated cost is for construction only. Wolfe said the steel market is fluctuating “badly.” In some cases prices have increased 35 percent since the beginning of 2021. He estimates the cost of removing an existing hangar at $25,000.
“For a contractor to come out and site-prep for you, I don't think that's going to cost very much,” Wolfe said.
He said the cost is in the new materials.
“At a minimum, you're looking at $1 million,” he added.
To do more with the hangars could increase the cost to $2 million, according to Wolfe. He said the market is so crazy he can't predict construction prices. He mentioned a contractor in Gering who won't lock in prices more than seven days in the future.
“I'm being honest. If you're looking at any kind of project, you're looking at $250,000 on your end,” he added.
The next questions are how to finance a hangar project. Even if the federal government funds much of the cost, it will be costly for the Sidney airport. Wolfe said no one is backing out of airport projects, admitting next year will be more expensive.
“No matter what. You're going to have to pay your 10 percent,” he said.
Board chairman Ron Meyer asked about the option of pilots purchasing their hangar. Wolfe said hangars can be purchased, but the land they are built on stays with the airport.
Wolfe suggested the board do a “data sheet,” a form that confirms the board's intent to do the project. The board agreed to submit a data sheet.
In other business, the board agreed to a floor sealing project for the shop at a cost of about $15,000, up about 30 percent from initial estimates. Airport manager George Lapaseteos reported fuel prices are up, but summer traffic is good, and mowing operations are taking place.
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