Mihalik’s request says the apron will have “development-ready airside hangar sites,” and there is a “major end user with existing operations on the campus that is considering a strategic expansion into the site, including a major new line of business that would be unique across multiple states.”
Melissa Riley Patsiavos, director of marketing and air service development with Dayton’s aviation department, says the apron will be repaired and constructed on the north side of the airport.
She said a taxiway will be repaired and reopened. She said the aviation department cannot discuss active projects, but the goal is to build on maintenance, repair, overhaul and operations work that’s taking place at the aviation facility.
Credit: Marshall Gorby
Credit: Marshall Gorby
State Senator Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, said the project creates opportunities for economic growth for the entire region.
“Enhancing the surrounding area of Dayton International attracts not only airlines but other private companies looking to use the airport to fit their business needs,” he said in a statement.
The funding is from the All Ohio Future Fund, which was created in the 2024-2025 state operating budget to provide $750 million in investment to Ohio communities with site-readiness and site-preparation economic development projects.
State officials said the Ohio Department of Development received about 40 applications seeking funding from the All Ohio Future Fund. The Controlling Board this week approved releasing funding for four projects.
Ohio Controlling Board request documents say that the total cost of the Dayton airport project will be about $96 million.
Construction of a new airport apron and the rehabilitation of an existing apron is expected to cost about $72 million; the airport taxiway improvements should cost about $9.9 million; and the surface transportation investments are expected to be around $14.3 million.
State officials say the project will increase the Dayton airport’s capacity for new hangars to support future economic development projects.
“There’s a lot of work that goes into preparing a site for development, so we’re literally laying the groundwork for future jobs and economic development in these communities,” Lt. Governor Jim Tressel said in a statement. “We’ve already generated interest in these locations, and by proactively preparing them with needed infrastructure, these sites won’t be vacant for long.”
The Dayton airport and the surrounding property has been turned into a hub of logistics, distribution, manufacturing and aerospace companies.
Sierra Nevada Corp. has already opened two hangars at the airport and is in the process of building two additional facilities. Joby Aviation is working to open a new plant that produces components for its electric air taxi aircraft.
Amazon, Crocs and other companies have warehouses and distribution centers around the airport that, combined, employ thousands of people.
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