Findlay council authorizes ODOT aviation grant application for airport fuel‑farm replacement

Findlay City Council on Sept. 16 adopted Ordinance 2025‑116 authorizing the mayor and appropriate city officials to apply for and, if awarded, enter into grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation Aviation Division to replace underground fuel tanks at the Findlay Airport with a new above‑ground fuel farm.

City staff estimated the total project cost, including required match and remediation of the existing underground storage tanks, at roughly $1 million. City engineer staff said the project would likely run as a 2026 design and a 2027 construction schedule if funded.

In discussion, city staff told council that FAA funding for fuel‑farm projects typically scores lower than pavement projects and that ODOT funding often piggybacks FAA priorities; however, ODOT’s aviation program has grant categories that could support fuel‑farm and hangar work. Staff said above‑ground storage improves ease of inspection and reduces long‑term environmental risk compared with aging underground tanks, which can be more difficult and expensive to locate and remediate in the event of a leak.

Council suspended the rules and approved the application ordinance on Sept. 16. Staff said that, if awarded, the project would include removal and remediation of the current underground tanks and increase on‑site fuel storage capacity to support airport operations and potential growth in fuel sales.