By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth Aviation Board unanimously approved signing a federal grant application requesting $514,890.52 for land acquisition for proposed expansions to the existing airport at its meeting last night.
The matter was introduced by the board’s consultant Christopher Snyder of Woolpert, Inc.
Snyder indicated that the local entity would receive $112,000 in federal assistance, but had the application for the larger amount prepared. Snyder indicated approval of the total grant amount is unlikely.
He said, “Right now it’s not looking good.”

He cited budget cuts as a possible reason for denial.
Snyder also informed the board his firm had presented an environmental assessment to FAA agencies as part of the proposed expansion of the Plymouth Airport runway. He said the agencies’ representatives looked at the potentially high amounts of environmental impacts on the surrounding wetlands.
Snyder said his firm would be formulating alternatives to be presented to the local board. Those alternatives could mean decreasing the proposed use of over five acres included in the proposal to four acres or even two or three acres.
After the meeting, Snyder said they would also be performing a habitat assessment in the area as well.
Board Secretary Rick Huff informed the board of correspondence that he has received from Attorney Jim Easterday concerning the ownership of an airplane housed in a hangar at the airport. Huff said the ownership of the plane was transferred to the former wife of Mike Buffington as part of a divorce settlement.
Huff said two or three months ago, the board had given Buffington an extension for the hanger use to April 1. He said Easterday was asking for an additional 60-day extension on behalf of his client.
Huff said the board policies do not allow for a reletting of a lease to another party. The current lease is in the name of Mike Buffington.
Plymouth City Attorney Nelson Chipman advised the board members that the City Clerk is questioning where billing for the hangar lease should be sent.
Huff said he was under the impression that the rent was being paid. If the matter is not resolved, the aircraft, which is not operable at this time, will be moved to the ramp by April 20.