In early May, the City of Clarion agreed to work with Nyemaster Goode for legal services related to the Clarion Municipal Airport Fuel Project. The city agreed to work with Nyemaster Goode as a proactive step to safeguard its interests and ensure the project is completed without any more operational issues.
Given that the fuel station is not operational, the council agreed to withhold the last payment until completion. The council and city attorney anticipate the firm will effectively handle potential litigation concerning that choice.
The fuel station is designed to supply two types of fuel for planes landing at Clarion Airport. The envisioned system would operate similarly to a gas station for cars, allowing pilots to refuel using a credit card at the pump.
Initially, the project was given a notice to proceed on August 22, 2023, with a completion date set for June 30, 2023. Despite these plans, the facility remains non-functional.
Clarion Airport holds a significant position as the only certified airport in Wright County. According to City Administrator Clint Middleton, over the years, the airport has seen several upgrades, thanks to federal grants and FAA funding. Notable improvements include:
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2016: Upgraded navigational equipment ($170,000)
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2017: Snow removal equipment ($190,000)
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2019: Runway pavement repairs and preservation ($590,000)
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2020: Replacement of the runway lighting system with LED lights ($290,000)
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2022: Current fuel system project ($630,736)
Middleton shared that pending available funding, plans for the airport include installing a security camera system and remodeling the office.
The completion of the fuel station would significantly boost the airport's utility. As the sole refueling stop for planes in Wright County, the operational fuel facility could attract daily visitors. The increased traffic could offer potential economic benefits beyond the sale of fuel.
Local businesses may see sales from visitors stopping for fuel. However, the pilots would need to secure transportation from a friend, as Clarion does not have ride-sharing services like Uber.
The city’s decision to withhold 10% of the project’s total payment until completion aligns with typical construction project practices. This retainage serves as leverage to ensure that the contractor fulfills all obligations satisfactorily.
