The Joliet Park District plans to build another hangar at its airport because of high demand for airplane space.
A new hangar accommodating 12 planes could be built by spring, said Executive Director Tom Carstens.
There are 30 pilots on a waiting list to get space at Joliet Regional Airport, Carstens said.
Currently, 83 planes are kept at the airport. Fifty-eight of those planes are housed in the airport’s five enclosed hangars. Carstens said the park boardthis week approved moving ahead with a new hangar. Staff next will work on the design and costs, but it is estimated to cost about $425,000 to $450,000.
The park district will finance the project, but Carstens noted more airplanes will bring in additional revenue.
“We’ll be getting rent, so we’ll have that revenue, plus the added fuel sales,” he said.
Park staff also will need to assess the condition of the main hangar at the airport, which needs some work, he said.
“We’re looking to do something with that building over the next three years,” Carstens said.
It’s too early to say whether the building would be renovated or replaced, he said.
http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/29/park-district-plans-new-hangar-at-joliet-airport/agmcsmj/