Delphi airport runway to be shut down for rehab project
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer
The federal government looked favorably upon requests by the City of Delphi to fund two projects for $855,269, with an addit ional $22,507 by each the state and the city needed to help the runway at the Delphi Municipal Airport. The result means the runway, but not the airport, will be closed to air traffic for approximately five weeks, beginning July 7.

Trennepohl

At that time drainage work, in the form of underdrains, will begin and last for approximately one week. Rinehart Construction was awarded the contract for the work at an estimated cost of $94,348.

When the drainage work is completed, the runway will be rehabilitated with a concrete overlay by E & B Paving. Estimated cost is $715,935.

According to project design engineer Ken Ross, Delphi Municipal will become the first airport in Indiana to sport the concrete overlay.

To demonstrate the process to local contractors a construction open house is planned for July 22. Ross said the runway will be covered with an average of six inches of concrete over the existing surface. He said the contractor will construct an access road from Division Line Rd. to the runway to avoid damage to airport grounds. He added that damage done to the edges of Division Line Rd. at the access point will be repaired.

Other airport news

The newest board member, Dean Trennepohl, was introduced at the Thursday night board meeting. He was promptly elected secretary of the group.

Trennepohl, a Jefferson Township resident and pilot, is a self-employed, certified public accountant. He is married with two children, one of which will be entering Purdue University in the fall and is learning to fly at the White County Airport.

"I will enjoy being a part of the Delphi Airport expansion project," Trennepohl said Tuesday. "I enjoy the enthusiasm and energy of the other board members and the mayor."

Other board members include Andy Cougill, president; city council member Kyle Germond, treasurer; and local residents Ed Gruber, and Terry Dill.

The next airport board meeting will be July 24 at 7 p.m. at the airport.