The Garnett Airport will get a financial boost from the Federal Government in the form of $400,000 of COVID Funding. The money will help pay for replacement of the apron at the airport where planes move in and out of the fueling area. That area was last paved over 40 years ago and, according to Airport Manager, Pat Schettler, parts of it have been reduced to gravel, which does not sit well with airplanes. Garnett City Manager, Chris Weiner and Engineer Caleb Coltrane were able to secure the funding through the Federal Aviation Administration to cover 100% of the project cost.
Garnett’s airport covers 154 acres with a 2,600 foot long paved runway. The facility is base for 15 to 20 resident aircraft with another two or three passing planes per day, during good weather. According to the Anderson County Review, Shettler says the apron has needed replaced for years, but it was cost prohibitive and probably wasn’t going to happen without some help from somewhere. Thanks to the COVID Relief Act, that help has been found.
Last year the airport hosted the Kansas Air Tour, a promotional Fly-In by more than 40 aircraft from around the state. Garnett was the site of the first Kansas Air Tour held in 1928.
