Airport board looks at ways to keep water off runways

With yet another significant rainstorm predicted, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport's advisory board is looking at ways to deflect floods from runways.

During the historic March 18 rainfall, the airport shut down operations to all but emergency helicopters.

At the board's meeting Tuesday, airport manager Bruce Loy said he was seeking options for diverting water from the runways.

Loy handed out images of the flooded airport. He said the bases of some runway lights were underwater and he's planning to submit figures to the city for possible FEMA reimbursement.

"I've had conversations with consulting engineers. We know where the water was coming from and where it wanted to go," he said.

"The problem is, when you have a situation like that, that's when you need the airport most," he said.

Walt Wildman reminded the board that the airport is built on a former swamp.

Mark Seesing suggested that engineers could look into building a retention basin.

"It would be a whole lot cheaper than putting a culvert under a runway," he said.

Other business

The board also reviewed passenger air service, furniture donation requests, plans for an open house and elected officers.

Loy reported that Great Lakes Airlines has not named a start date. Meanwhile, he said, several people have called the airport wanting to book summer flights. The airline is still in the process of trying to lease planes and hire pilots, he said, adding that Great Lakes is in the running to add three more airports to its service lineup, despite not having begun service at the 10 for which it already had U.S. Department of Transportation approval.

Board members appeared disappointed to learn that only one donor responded to letters asking for furniture donations to help with the Cape Aviation building renovation.

Board member Bill Dunn suggested ordering rolling toolboxes to help preserve the renovated hangar floors, but the board did not vote on the matter.

Nor did they choose an open house date to show people the airport's new look. Rain and cool temperatures have delayed roof repairs and exterior painting. Loy said it would make more sense to wait until that work was done and signs were replaced to host a public event.

Plans to combine Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival with Libertyfest continue. Loy said he has been meeting with Marla Mills, Old Town Cape executive director, as well as seeking permits for air performances over the Mississippi River.

"We'll be working together," Loy said. "We're still trying to figure out to brand it."

Gerry Keene ended his third term as board president. Robbie Rollins was unanimously elected the new president. Mark Seesing was named vice chairman and Rick Hetzel was named secretary/treasurer.

Angie Wilder, the airport's administrative coordinator, announced she'll be leaving her job.

She's been commuting from her home in Perryville for two years.

"It just go to be a little much," she said. Wilder and her husband bought a house near St. Louis and moved last weekend. She said she'll continue to work at the airport while the job search is underway.

"I'm a little sad, and I'm a little happy," she said. "I've loved it here and I've loved my job, but it's time."

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127

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