7-27-2026 12:15am

Airport Authority Details Growth, Future Funding Needs During Annual Update

Beth Callahan Editor

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LEBANON, OH — The Warren County Airport Authority told county commissioners that the Warren County Airport continues to experience rapid growth and is becoming an increasingly important economic asset, while outlining several infrastructure projects that will require future support from county officials.

During the Warren County Board of Commissioners' July 21 work session, Airport Authority Chairman Jack DeBrunner presented the authority's annual update, describing the airport as Ohio's fastest-growing general aviation airport. According to DeBrunner, the airport has grown approximately 50 percent over the past three years and is expected to become the state's second-largest general aviation airport by the number of based aircraft by the end of 2026.

The airport currently has more than 150 based aircraft, supports approximately 40 businesses employing more than 100 people, and records nearly 38,000 takeoffs and landings annually. Brunner estimated the airport's annual economic impact at between $18 million and $27 million.

DeBrunner also noted that the airport has faced challenges this year following the loss of both its airport manager and secretary-treasurer. The authority expects to fill those positions in early August. He also mentioned how the airport is very unique in that the county owns the taxi way and the runway, but the rest of the property is owned by private developers.

"This is important to understand. First of all this is only one of two airports in the state of Ohio who act this way... And, the private development has really benefited the county because they've spent tens of millions of dollars without any taxpayer expense for developments there," DeBrunner said.

Much of the presentation focused on the airport's long-range master plan, which calls for expanded aircraft parking, additional hangar space, a safer and wider taxiway, and eventually extending the runway to better accommodate business aircraft. DeBrunner said the improvements are intended to keep pace with growing demand while improving safety and supporting economic development throughout Warren County.

The Airport Authority has already acquired 12 acres on the west side of the airport with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the county. Brunner said ownership of the property allows the airport to qualify for additional FAA grants and positions the authority to lease land for privately financed hangar construction.

Although no funding requests were formally presented for approval, Brunner informed commissioners that the authority expects to seek county assistance in the future.

One anticipated request would be approximately $98,000 to widen a new taxiway beyond FAA standards. DeBrunner said the existing design creates turns that are too tight for many business aircraft, causing some planes to leave the pavement while taxiing.

The authority also expects to seek additional funding to renew its maintenance agreement with WCA Limited, the private company that performs runway inspections, mowing, lighting maintenance and other operational services. Brunner said the contract has remained unchanged for a decade despite rising operating costs.

Commissioners also discussed a developing proposal to share the cost of a regional stormwater project associated with future airport expansion. Preliminary estimates place the county's potential participation between $300,000 and $500,000, although officials emphasized those figures remain preliminary. County officials said no decision has been made and additional financial analysis is needed before determining whether participating in the shared system would be more cost-effective than constructing separate stormwater facilities on county-owned airport property.

Commissioners praised the airport's continued growth and its contribution to the county's economy. They also recognized the volunteer Airport Authority Board for guiding airport operations during a period of staff vacancies.

No formal action was taken during the work session. The presentation served as an informational update, with future funding requests expected to return before the commissioners after project costs, engineering work and FAA grant decisions are finalized.