Erie-Ottawa airport to replace weather alert system

PORT CLINTON — A downed weather reporting system could ground a major revenue stream for the Erie-Ottawa International Airport. The 35-year-old weather system broke down last month, as it often does, and is in dire need of an upgrade. Crews repaired the system, but it will likely break again, airport director Stan Gebhardt said.It's imperative to relay weather information to incoming private jets, which are often used by executives flying in to meet at Cedar Point, Kalahari, and other establishments. Such weather systems are encouraged for airports with private jet traffic. "Without this system, those flights would have difficulty coming here in the summer," Gebhardt said. "That would have a dramatic impact on the airport's revenue stream."Revenue from these private jets, mostly from fuel sales and hangar fees, generates more than $250,000 annually. The airport is funded through a combination of local revenue and contributions from Erie and Ottawa counties. Gebhardt said the airport seeks grant funding to replace the aged weather reporting system. In total, the replacement project will cost about $90,000, which includes parts and labor. But rather than wait for potential grant funding, both Erie and Ottawa counties already contributed $45,000 each to get the project done now.The airport's goal: repay each county with grant money at a later date. The airport board hopes to receive grant funding from either the Ohio Department of Transportation or the FAA. "We're in a holding pattern until we see where the grant will be coming from," Gebhardt said. "We'd like to only use the FAA funding as a last resort because it could take away from some other projects. The ODOT grant has more limitations, so we would be in a better position if we receive that grant."It's not clear when the airport could receive grant funds, if at all. For now, the airport will move forward with replacing the weather reporting system as soon as possible. Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterA new entrance sign welcomes visitors to the Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.