Lunken to receive energy improvements

Lunken Airport will see more than $177,000 in energy efficiency improvements due to an ordinance passed by Cincinnati City Council.

The funding, to come from bonds issued for various public building improvements, will pay for lighting improvements and building controls at the administration building and HVAC equipment upgrades and renovation of the air handler at the control tower.

The airport lacks sufficient capital funds to complete the upgrades. Debt service is expected to come from more than $17,000 in annual energy savings.

Councilmembers Jeff Berding, Chris Bortz, and Chris Monzel voted against the ordinance.

Also pending is an ordinance authorizing City Manager Milton Dohoney to apply for, accept and appropriate a $200,000 grant to rehabilitate the longest of the airport's three runways, the 3R/21L.

The grant, which would come through the Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Aviation's 2011 Ohio Airport Grant program, would be used to reseal the runway's asphalt, remove waste rubber, and repaint faded runway markings.

Up to $50,000 in City capital funding would be required as a local match.

Control tower photo courtesy of Cincinnati Re-Adventure.