Airport Authority asks Dubois County for $1.5 million toward Frosty Jones Aviation Terminal; council takes request under advisement

Airport Director Travis McQueen and members of the Airport Authority briefed the Dubois County Council on May 13 about financing for the Frosty Jones Aviation Terminal and requested county financial support.

McQueen told the council the Federal Aviation Administration awarded a $3.3 million BIL‑ATP grant for the terminal, but that the grant requires roughly $3.2 million in additional state and local contributions to close the funding gap. The Airport Authority is pursuing funding from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), READI 2.0 and Radius RIF; Airport Board Attorney Phil Schneider outlined options related to property tax revenues, debt service, issuance of general obligation bonds and loan contracts.

To meet immediate needs and the FAA program schedule, McQueen requested a $1.5 million county contribution for the project. The FAA set a June 20, 2024 deadline for the BIL‑ATP program to receive the final application with bids or a negotiated contract. The council recorded the request and took it under advisement; no county appropriation or vote was recorded at the May 13 meeting.

The minutes note the council may need to coordinate with the Board of Commissioners and with state grant administrators if the council elects to provide county funds. The airport’s request and the application deadline position the issue for further review at upcoming county meetings and by the commissioners.