The aviation board discussed the status of future projects and welcomed new members during its first meeting of the year Tuesday. Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer administered the oath of office to Ernie Wiggins and John Yingling at the outset of the meeting. “I’m very appreciative of your willingness to serve for the next four years,” Thallemer said. Engineer Ken Ross continued to discuss the progress of the power line relocation project. He said the grant has a remaining balance of $25,093. Total cost estimates for the road loops and tunnel have been incorporated into the draft environmental document. After looking at preliminary estimates from two firms, the firms determined there is not enough drop in elevation to drain the tunnel to Hickman Ditch by gravity, so a pump system would be required. There are still some unknowns with this project, but Ross said this is the most important one to continue with. Airport manager Nick King said the airport has wanted to lower these power lines since the 1980s. He said the current location of the power lines increases the requirements to land in bad weather in Warsaw. “(If the power lines are lowered) it makes everything much safer,” King said. King said the first batch of insulation has been delivered, but has yet to be installed due to lack of free time from all of the snow plowing. He said once installed, the insulation will cut back on heating costs. “By this time next year, we’ll be saving quite a bit of money,” King said. The next regular meeting for the aviation board is set for Feb. 10 at 5:15 p.m.
