Kelleys Island airport lands $101K in federal funds

KELLEYS ISLAND — Departing from Washington, D.C., federal funds made the one-way trip and successfully landed at their final destination: the Kelleys Island Municipal Airport.U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, announced on Tuesday the island's airport received about $101,000 from a Federal Aviation Administration grant program. The program supports projects strengthening aviation infrastructure nationwide.Local officials intend to spend the money on drainage improvements to eliminate ponding, or an unwanted pooling of water, on airfield surfaces. The village owns and operates this airport."Citizens of Kelleys Island depend heavily on this airport for travel and recreation, and ensuring their safety is of the utmost importance," Kaptur said in a statement."These funds will directly impact the ability of the airport to maintain safe flying and landing conditions without fear of the hazards caused by water accumulation on the runway," Kaptur added. "I am pleased to have worked with the village of Kelleys Island and its airport to secure the financial support it requires to keep pilots and passengers safe."Village officials acknowledged Kaptur's support in vouching for the airport's importance."We are very appreciative of the help we were able to secure from the Federal Aviation Administration," village Mayor Ron Ehrbar said. "The funds provided from this grant will work to alleviate the major drainage issues at our airport and make sure it can continue to be used effectively in the future."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.A portion of a runway at the Kelleys Island Municipal Airport is shown. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, recently announced the facility received about $101,000 for drainage improvements.