Portage County officials kick off $3 million upgrade at airport

Portage County officials kick off $3 million upgrade at airport covers the launch of Portage County Regional Airport’s first major capital project since the county assumed sponsorship. Airport and county officials held a July 7 ceremony for the Shift/Reconstruct Taxiway B and Taxiway Connectors A2, B1, and B2 project. Airport director Robert P. Hartigan said Taxiway B will be rebuilt about 100 feet north, maintaining the same size and length while improving runway separation to meet FAA standards. The work also upgrades drainage, LED lighting, markings, and signage, and is designed to replace an aging asphalt strip likely dating back to the 1960s. The estimated price is $3.05 million, with 95% funded by a Federal Aviation Administration grant and a 5% match from the Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Aviation, requiring no local match. Portage County took over the airport in 2023 after voters dissolved the volunteer board, aiming to position the facility for federal funding and future projects such as runway expansion.