Airport to benefit from DOT loan

COLFAX - During the Thursday, Dec. 19, Port of Whitman County commissioners meeting, staff announced a loan approval to fund airport improvements.

The $1.2 million Community Aviation Revitalization Board loan from the state Department of Transportation will be used to pay for utility improvements, site development and hangar construction at the Port of Whitman Business Air Center on Colfax Access Airport Road.

The upgrades supports general aviation airports with becoming self-sustainable, officials said.

"We are grateful for the Community Aviation Revitalization Board for partnering with the Port on this project," Port Commission President Tom Kammerzell said. "This loan will allow us to improve infrastructure at the Port of Whitman Business Air Center and develop additional hangar areas to support pilots and other future users."

The $1.2 million loan will finance improvements including paving a section of the taxiway, constructing one new Port-owned hangar and creating site-ready areas for up to 19 additional hangars, officials said. Those areas and hangars will be constructed by tenants.

Design and permitting are expected to be completed next year, with construction beginning in 2026.