Airport revamp delayed by weather
The renovation at the Greater Portsmouth Regional Airport is behind schedule thanks to rainy weather but should be finished by May. Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis said the revamp of the façade should be impressive with a whole new look, new glass, and a lighted sign for the room.
The restaurant has also been extensively remodeled with new flooring and lighting.
Davis says the most impressive part of the remodel isn’t visible. Work has been done to improve drainage and fix water infiltration into the building. Work to upgrade the electrical service to 600 amps is almost finished. “The idea is to bring it into the 21st Century. We’ve already remodeled the conference room to make it inviting to businesses.”
Davis is also excited about prospects for the SOAR Business Park. “Multiple entities are looking at locating out there. It’s a field of dreams. We knew if we built it, they would come. And they are doing that.”
Commissioner Mike Crabtree said this is the result of two years of hard work, starting with applying for grants.” He emphasized the need for the county to keep money in its coffers to be eligible to apply for matching grants. “Things are happening out there. They don’t happen fast. It takes time to get money. You got to have money. You have to have matching funds. You can’t take your carryover money and spend it to the last nickel. People think if you’ve got money, you could spend it to do something. We were there when we didn’t have a roof on the courthouse.”
Davis said big things are coming to the property soon. “We’re really gonna see some amazing things happen this year. We’re soaring. We’re moving up.”
