The Blytheville-Gosnell Regional Airport Authority has recently made some much-needed repairs. courtesy of a few grants.
Despite losing TSI, who's parent company, Air France, pulled out, fearing another economic downturn and a lack of work, the BGRAA was recently able to put a new roof on Building 105 at the Aeroplex. With TSI leaving, the BGRAA did lose a few grants, but retained enough grant money to re-roof the building at $.20/$1.00 with the total cost paid out for a $100,000 roof only being $20,000. Building 105 is currently being leased to Air Pro, a sister company of TSI and a subsidiary of Air France.
Building 442 was torn down by the city of Gosnell. The building was falling apart and was a safety hazard, according to BGRAA staff. According to BGRAA President Barrett Harrison, the building was one of the few buildings dilapidated that could be torn down because of the level of asbestos in the building.
"Of all the buildings out here that need to be torn down, that was the only one clean enough for the government to let us tear it down without bringing in a specialty company," said Harrison.
Arkansas Northeastern College and Mid-South Community College are both receiving large airplanes to be used by some of their vocational classes. Both planes will be stored at the Aeroplex and will bring in more than $5,000 per year in revenue for the BGRAA.
The BGRAA is also looking into ways to generate revenue in several un-used buildings, including the old alert pad.
cpinkard@couriernews.com