Commissioners agree to pursue INDOT pavement grant for taxiway crack sealing, pending financial review

The Hunter Board of Aviation Commissioners voted to pursue an INDOT pavement-maintenance grant that would fund crack sealing on Taxiway Alpha, with the board requiring a follow-up financial review before committing local match dollars.

Paul (airport engineer/consultant) described the program as an INDOT state and local initiative that can provide up to $100,000 for pavement maintenance with a 75/25 match. To fully leverage the $100,000 award, Paul said the board would need approximately $33,333.33 in local match (25 percent). He emphasized the program is optional and that communities may scale a project to fit available local funds.

"It's a completely optional program," Paul said. "They will put up to a $100,000 into the project with a 75/25 match. That would require if you wanted to max out ... you would need $33,333.33 for that." He recommended crack sealing rather than a surface treatment, describing the FAA-style process of cleaning and backfilling cracks before placing sealer and repainting markings.

Paul said the INDOT pre-application was submitted and accepted; a full application opens in mid‑July on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and awarded projects must spend funds by the end of the calendar year. He explained procurement for projects under $300,000 can use sealed quotes (no bid bond required) and encouraged the board to obtain at least three quotes to ensure comparable bids.

Board members discussed cash-flow concerns and competing capital needs, including loan payments and future runway work. Kevin Yarn offered to help gather quotes. After discussion, a board member moved to pursue the INDOT program and another seconded; the motion passed by voice vote with at least one member saying, “I opposed.” The motion directs staff and/or consultants to collect quotes and prepare an application if a subsequent financial review confirms the board can supply the required local match.

Next steps: staff and the engineer will obtain quotes, complete a financial review, and return to the board to confirm whether to submit the full INDOT application.