Middleton commission advances BOA petition list to seek state and federal airport funding

The Middleton Airport Commission voted Nov. 7 to direct staff to continue preparing a petition to the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics to place a range of airport projects in the queue for state and federal funding.

Staff said the last BOA petition was submitted in 2013 and that updating the petition is necessary to make projects eligible for Bureau and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds. The draft list discussed by the commission includes stormwater and drainage studies, LED lighting swaps, replacement of the automated weather system (AWS), snow‑removal equipment, an articulating brush mower, tree trimming and potential fuel‑tank replacement placeholders.

Airport Manager Richard Morey and commissioners emphasized that some items—equipment purchases and planning studies—are generally eligible for BOA/BIL funds, while routine labor often is not. ‘‘We do have the equipment and manpower to move the snow and to mow the grass,’’ Morey said, noting the airport lacks the specialized machinery and manpower needed for brush and steep‑corridor work and has leased such services in the past.

Commissioners also discussed revegetation and unconventional maintenance approaches; one commissioner raised goats as a potential low‑cost option for steep or sensitive areas. Staff said BOA eligibility will be checked and items removed from the petition if Bureau contacts advise they are ineligible. If the commission approves a final list the process will include a formal public hearing with the planning commission and anticipated council adoption in January so projects can be considered when funding becomes available.