By Art Auth |
Darke County, Ohio – On a sun-drenched yet brisk Friday morning, April 26, excitement filled the air as Darke County celebrated the inauguration of its new terminal at the local airport. The event, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, drew a distinguished crowd of officials, community members, and stakeholders eager to witness the culmination of years of development.
Commissioner Marshal Combs warmly greeted attendees, setting the stage for an event of reflection and anticipation. Former Commissioner Mike Rhoades, took center stage, recounting the airport’s humble beginnings in the 1960s and tracing its remarkable journey to the present day. His words resonated with a sense of pride and gratitude for the progress achieved over decades of dedication and vision.
The event saw an array of speakers representing various entities crucial to the airport’s growth and success. Among them were representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Ohio Department of Transportation Aviation (ODOT Aviation), and Midmark, a local company deeply invested in the region’s prosperity. Congressman Warren Davidson lent his support, underlining the significance of the airport as a vital asset to the community and the broader region.
Praising Darke County Airport as a lifeline for their critical operations, CareFlight Air & Mobile emphasized the invaluable role played by the facility in delivering essential care to the community. Their acknowledgment of the airport’s strategic location and efficient services, including on-site fueling, highlighted the tangible impact of such infrastructure on public health and safety.
A notable aspect of the ceremony was the financial breakdown of the airport’s expansion projects, providing transparency and insight into the collaborative effort behind the development. Since 2007, the county has invested a substantial sum of more than $11,5Million into various initiatives aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure and services. Remarkably, the lion’s share of this investment—$9.3 million—was secured through federal funding, with an additional $1.4 million contributed by the state through ODOT Aviation. Local funds, amounting to $770,000, supplemented the endeavor, illustrating the county’s commitment to leveraging external support for community development.
Notably, the county’s direct financial contribution to these projects amounted to less than 7% of the total investment, a testament to the effective collaboration with state and federal partners. This partnership-driven approach not only maximizes the impact of public funds but also ensures the sustainability and scalability of airport initiatives in the years to come.
Looking ahead, the ribbon-cutting ceremony served as a beacon of optimism for the future of Darke County Airport. With ambitious plans for further expansion and enhancement on the horizon, the county remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering economic growth, connectivity, and prosperity for all its residents.
The ribbon cutting not only marked a milestone in the airport’s evolution but also symbolized the collective spirit of progress and collaboration that defines Darke County’s journey towards a brighter future in aviation and beyond.
Click here for more than 250 photos of the event