51ĀŅĀ×

The Gordon K. Bush Airport at 51ĀŅĀ× has been awarded $2.5 million in state funding to support improvements to its existing 12,000-square-foot box hangar space that will strategically enhance the airportā€™s commercial capabilities and help serve as a catalyst for increased regional economic growth.

ā€œThis funding will not only help strengthen OHIO's role as an economic engine for the region ā€“ it will also foster opportunities for continued growth and development across Southeast Ohio and beyond,ā€ said 51ĀŅĀ× President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. ā€œWe are incredibly thankful to both State Representative Jay Edwards for his leadership in securing the funding and State Senator Brian Chavez for his support of this transformational project in the Senate.ā€

Connecting air transportation to economic growth

Located less than three miles from a new industrial park in Albany, Ohio, and near a railroad spur, the Gordon K. Bush Airport currently offers a 6,458-square-foot terminal and numerous fixed-base operator (FBO) services, including fuel, mechanics and limited leasable hangar space that position it to serve as a transportation hub for commercial and private entities that help support Athens County and the surrounding region.

The new state funding is intended to further amplify the Airportā€™s existing service offerings by focusing on improvements to the existing box hangar, which currently houses privately owned aircraft and the 51ĀŅĀ× Aviation programā€™s training fleet. Such enhancements are anticipated to include numerous building improvements, including a new roof, siding and doors, alongside various heating and lighting upgrades.

These improvements are intended to create a secure, climate-controlled environment that will help attract both private and commercial entities that desire modern hangar space in the heart of Appalachia.

Additional planned Airport improvements

The $2.5 million in State funding follows the 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Trustees' approval of a June 2024 resolution to create a safe and secure storage facility for University-owned and private aircraft. This $1.9 million project will provide new hangar space for 16 aircraft while allowing for future renovations to the existing hangar space.

Additional details about 51ĀŅĀ×ā€™s Gordon K. Bush Airport are available online at ohio.edu/airport.