County agrees to local match for McPherson Airport fuel‑farm replacement

Dale Sprague of the McPherson Airport told the commission the airport has eligible grant funds to replace aging fuel‑farm infrastructure and that the county’s local sponsor share would be roughly $34,712.50. The project would remove underground tanks and replace them with above‑ground tanks; design is complete and construction is anticipated to begin in April with an expected finish in Sept/Oct 2027.

Sprague said the grant requires a 5% local match rather than a higher percentage and that the county’s obligation is contingent on the McPherson City Commission agreeing to the same match. "If they're efficient as you all are, yes," Sprague said about city approval. Commissioner (transcript_label 3) moved that the county participate in funding $34,712.50 contingent on the city approving the same amount; the motion carried by voice vote.

Commissioners asked for timely communication with the airport and requested Sprague and city staff notify the county as soon as they have confirmation. The packet noted prior federal and state funding for airport projects and framed the fuel‑farm work as a safety and operations improvement for aircraft refueling.