News - Orange Airport Seeks Support for Asbestos Cleanup Challenge

The Orange Municipal Airport is facing an unexpected challenge as it embarks on developing new T-hangars, essential for meeting the robust demand for aircraft storage. Airport Manager Adam Klumpp has reached out to Town Hall, soliciting their aid in sourcing funds to address asbestos contamination found at the proposed construction site. The remediation of this hazardous material, a remnant of a previous structure, is a necessary step before building can commence, with costs estimated at $137,500. This complication threatens to stall the much-anticipated project, crucial for the airport's growth and financial health. Each new hangar is poised to contribute directly to the town’s General Fund through rental income—a significant consideration given the pressing demand and the potential to attract more aviators to the airport. Despite the Federal Aviation Administration covering a majority of the construction expenses and relying heavily on the investment plan which includes a 2.5% contribution from state and local resources, the FAA funds cannot be allocated to handle the toxic asbestos remediation. A Special Town Meeting slated for January 12 will deliberate on the appropriation necessary to deal with the asbestos, a stumbling block discovered during routine soil tests conducted in October. The airport already holds a strong economic promise with rental revenues fortifying the town's budget while simultaneously boosting local aviation activities through increased hangar space. Klumpp underscores the critical nature of this project, asserting a strong existing demand for hangar space within New England, despite current private ownerships and the tax benefits thereof to the town. This endeavor, should the remediation be funded and executed efficiently, will elevate the airport's value proposition, organically transform it into a more lucrative community asset, and ensure sustained economic contributions from enhanced aviation services.