Ground-breaking ceremonies for a new 5,000 square foot hangar at Lakeshore Aviation.
MANITOWOC, WIS. – Lakeshore Aviation broke ground October 29, 2010 on a new 5,000 square foot aircraft hangar next to its existing facilities at Manitowoc County Airport (MTW). Curt Drumm, president of Lakeshore Aviation, cited new corporate aircraft based at the airport as the reason for the expansion. Flight training, aircraft maintenance and charter are also up.
“We are one of the fortunate airports in the area where things have really turned around, and we are ready to take on new challenges,” said Drumm.“Everything is pointing toward a steady recovery in the aviation business in 2011, and we want to be ready.”
Drumm said that Manitowoc County Airport is a good facility with newly paved runways, updated lighting equipment, and the latest technology in aircraft navigation equipment.
A new fuel farm with significantly larger fuel tanks and a self-service fuel system are also being installed. The larger fuel tanks will allow Lakeshore Aviation to manage their fuel inventories more carefully, and take advantage of pricing trends to keep prices competitive with other airports in the area. The new system will be capable of storing nearly 35,000 gallons of three different types of fuel. FAA funding is primarily paying for the fuel system with money that comes from user-funded aviation fuel and ticket taxes.
A portion of the funding is being provided by the Manitowoc County Revolving Loan Fund Program, with matching funds from Lakeshore Aviation and several private investors interested in expanding business at the airport.
During ribbon cutting ceremonies, Drumm commended Manitowoc County Board members “for their forward thinking and investment in this critical piece of the area’s transportation infrastructure.” Manitowoc County Executive, Bob Ziegelbauer, spoke at the ribbon-cutting luncheon, as did Congressman Tom Petri, representing Wisconsin’s 6th District. Rep. Petri spoke of the importance of general aviation to both national and local economies, citing the $150 billion general aviation pumps into the nation’s economy, and the 1.2 million people the industry employs.
Drumm described how the corporation General Fisher needed an air compressor to keep their plant operating that day, and without general aviation and the Manitowoc County Airport, 500 people would be without work. Drumm further noted that of the 130 public-use airports in Wisconsin, only eight (8) are served by the airlines, while general aviation serves all 130 airports.
Manitowoc County Airport is home to more than 70 aircraft, and has an economic impact of nearly $10 million to the community. The airport has over 60 acres available for future business development.
The hangar, due to be completed in early December, is being built by Morton Buildings, with local contractors providing all sub-contract services. The hangar will be large enough to house at least six aircraft, and provide shelter for Lakeshore Aviation’s airport support equipment during bad weather.
Lakeshore Aviation is about to celebrate its sixth anniversary, and employs 10 people. Lakeshore Aviation has an active flight school, including the state’s only full time seaplane flight school. They also operate air charter/air cargo flights, provide hangar facilities, aircraft management and sales, and piston engine aircraft maintenance.
For more information, contact Curt Drumm at 920-682-0043, or cdrumm@lakeshoreaviation.com (www.lakeshoreaviation.com).
