The Columbus Municipal Airport hopes to gain approval to use Tax Increment Financing district funds for two development projects.
Airport Director Brian Payne said he will approach the Columbus Redevelopment Commission to seek Airport TIF District funding to extend Vickers Drive on the AirPark campus. The road extension, in addition to extensions of water and sewer lines, is estimated to cost $326,318, Payne said.
The extension of Vickers Drive to Poshard Drive is part of the airport’s effort to attract more development, with the project set to begin in late summer, he said.
The Columbus Board of Aviation Commissioners supported Payne’s request to seek approval from the redevelopment commission to use TIF funds for the project.
Payne also said he plans to go before the redevelopment commission to use TIF dollars for relocation of utilities tied to a hangar-redevelopment project, although the cost was not immediately known.
The airport plans to develop storage units that would house six jets or twin-engine aircraft, a project that would likely begin in the fall, Payne said.
The aviation board also approved a separate request to divide a 5.4-acre parcel at Poshard Drive and Central Avenue in hopes that the airport can spur more economic activity. The area will be split into two 1.25-acre parcels, one 1.46-acre parcel and 1.45 acre-parcel.
Payne said the airport had sent out requests for proposal to developers a few years ago, but was unable to attract interest for restaurants or retail businesses.
The area is home to several businesses and higher education institutions such as IUPUI and Ivy Tech Community College.
