Virginia Highlands Airport Seeks $14,160 from County for Hangar Oversight

Key Takeaways

• Virginia Highlands Airport requests $14,160 from Washington County for onsite supervisor in $930,000 hangar project.
• Construction of seven box hangars begins mid-June 2025, generating over $12,000 annual revenue for the county.
• Federal and state grants cover 98% of construction, but local funds are needed for critical onsite supervision.

The Virginia Highlands Airport Authority is seeking support from Washington County for a new hangar project that could shape the future of aviation and economic growth in the region. On May 27, 2025, the Airport Authority formally asked the county to fund half the cost of hiring a resident project representative—an on-site professional supervisor—for the construction of seven new box hangars at the Virginia Highlands Airport in Abingdon. The total cost of the project stands at $930,000, with the specific local funding request amounting to $14,160. This request will be considered by the Washington County Board of Supervisors at its public meeting on May 27, 2025, at the county government building.

This article explains what the hangar project involves, why the funding request matters, how the process works, and what it means for the community, local government, and aviation users. We’ll also look at the broader policy context, funding sources, and the expected impact on Washington County and the region.

Why Is the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority Requesting County Funding?

The Virginia Highlands Airport Authority, which operates the county-owned airport, is responsible for managing airport development and ensuring that projects meet safety and quality standards. For the new hangar project, the Authority needs a resident project representative—someone who will be on-site during construction to oversee the work, ensure compliance with regulations, and address any issues that arise.

Federal and state grants—including those from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Virginia Department of Aviation—cover most construction costs but do not pay for on-site professional supervision. This gap is common in airport infrastructure projects, leaving local authorities to fund this critical oversight role.

Key facts:
– Total cost for on-site supervision: $28,320
– Amount requested from Washington County: $14,160 (half the cost)
– Airport Authority’s share: $14,160 (the other half)

The Airport Authority’s request is not for construction itself, but for the supervision needed to make sure the project is done right, on time, and in line with all rules.

What Does the Hangar Project Involve?

The project will add seven box hangars to the airport, providing much-needed space for aircraft storage. This expansion responds to strong demand from local pilots, businesses, and aviation users who have been waiting for more hangar space.

Project details:
– Location: Virginia Highlands Airport, Abingdon
– Scope: Construction of seven box hangars
– Total project cost: $930,000
– Construction timeline: Expected to start mid-June 2025
– Annual revenue impact: Over $12,000 per year for Washington County

The hangars will be built using a mix of federal, state, and local funding, plus a loan from the Virginia Resource Authority. The project includes site preparation, pavement, drainage, electrical work, security, and the actual building of the hangars.

Who Are the Key Stakeholders?

Several groups and officials play important roles in this project:

• Virginia Highlands Airport Authority: Project sponsor and operator, responsible for planning, oversight, and management.
• Washington County Board of Supervisors: The local government body that must approve the funding request.
• Mickey Hines: Airport Manager and main contact for the project.
• Federal and State Agencies: FAA, Virginia Department of Aviation, and Virginia Resource Authority provide most of the funding.
• U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine: Supporters of federal funding for airport infrastructure.
• U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith: Announced a $1,055,800 federal grant for hangar construction in January 2025.

How Is the Project Funded?

The hangar project relies on a combination of funding sources:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants
• Virginia Department of Aviation grants
• Loan from the Virginia Resource Authority
• Local funding: Requested from Washington County for supervision costs

Federal and state grants cover about 98% of most airport capital projects, with local sources making up the rest. However, these grants do not pay for the on-site supervisor, which is why the Airport Authority is asking the county for help.

In January 2025, the airport received a $1,055,800 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (FAA) to build four new 3,600-square-foot hangars. This is part of a larger federal investment in Virginia airports, with over $12 million announced for improvements across the state.

Summary Table: Key Project Data

What Is the Approval and Construction Process?

The process for getting the hangar project off the ground involves several steps:

1. Funding Request Submission: The Airport Authority submits a formal request to Washington County for half the cost of hiring a resident project representative.
2. Board Review: The Washington County Board of Supervisors reviews the request and votes on it at a public meeting.
3. Contracting: If approved, the Airport Authority and the county jointly fund the hiring of the on-site supervisor.
4. Construction Start: Work is scheduled to begin in mid-June 2025, including all necessary site and building work.
5. Project Completion: Once finished, the new hangars will be available for lease, generating ongoing revenue for the county.

Why Is On-Site Supervision Important?

The Airport Authority stresses that having a professional supervisor on-site is essential for several reasons:

• Quality Control: Ensures construction meets all safety and quality standards.
• Compliance: Makes sure the project follows federal, state, and local rules.
• Problem-Solving: Allows quick response to any issues that come up during construction.
• Accountability: Provides a clear point of contact for contractors, inspectors, and government agencies.

Without this supervision, the risk of delays, mistakes, or non-compliance increases, which could cost the county more in the long run.

What Are the Economic and Community Benefits?

The hangar project is expected to bring several benefits to Washington County and the surrounding region:

• Increased Revenue: The new hangars are projected to generate over $12,000 per year for the county through lease payments.
• Economic Growth: More hangar space means more aircraft, more visitors, and more business for local shops, hotels, and service providers.
• Support for Local Aviation: The project addresses a strong demand for hangar space, helping local pilots, businesses, and emergency services.
• Community Services: The airport supports general aviation, emergency operations (like US Forest Service aerial firefighting), and regional connectivity.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, projects like this often have a ripple effect, boosting local economies and supporting jobs in construction, aviation, and related fields.

What Are the Policy and Funding Challenges?

While federal and state grants cover most construction costs, they often exclude certain expenses—like on-site supervision. This puts pressure on local governments to fill the gap, even when the local share is relatively small.

• Federal/State Agencies: Provide most of the funding but set strict rules on what costs are eligible.
• Local Government: Must decide whether the benefits of the project justify the local investment.
• Airport Authority: Must balance the need for quality oversight with the limits of available funding.

The airport has a history of successfully using federal (90%), state (8%), and local (2%) funding for capital projects. However, each new project requires careful planning and negotiation to make sure all costs are covered.

How Does This Fit into Broader Airport Development?

The Virginia Highlands Airport is a county-owned, Authority-operated facility valued at over $40 million, with an annual operations budget of about $1.5 million. The airport has a strong track record of securing grants for improvements, including runway expansions and terminal upgrades.

The Board of Directors, appointed by the County Supervisors, oversees airport policy and development. The airport also participates in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, with a goal of 3.83% DBE participation for FAA-funded projects from 2023 to 2025.

What Do Federal and State Leaders Say?

Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have highlighted the importance of airport infrastructure for economic development and regional connectivity. They support continued federal investment in local airports, noting that these facilities are key to attracting business and supporting jobs.

Congressman Morgan Griffith announced the recent $1,055,800 federal grant for hangar construction, emphasizing that federal support helps local airports expand capacity and become more self-sustaining.

What Happens Next?

The immediate next step is the Washington County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on May 27, 2025, where the funding request will be discussed and voted on. If approved, the Airport Authority and the county will move quickly to hire the resident project representative and begin construction in mid-June.

Looking ahead:
– Short-term: Construction of the new hangars, with oversight by the resident project representative.
– Long-term: Increased revenue, more aviation activity, and greater economic impact for the county.
– Ongoing: Continued pursuit of federal and state grants for future airport improvements.

How Can Stakeholders Stay Informed or Get Involved?

For those interested in following the project or participating in the public process, here are some key contacts and resources:

• Virginia Highlands Airport Authority
  • Address: 18521 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210
  • Phone: (276) 628-2909
  • Website: vahighlandsairport.com
  • Airport Manager: Mickey Hines ([email protected])
• Washington County Board of Supervisors
  • Meeting Location: 1 Government Center Place, Abingdon, VA
  • Website: washingtoncountyva.gov
• U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith
  • Abingdon Office: 323 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210
  • Phone: (276) 525-1405

For official information on federal airport grants and funding programs, visit the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) page.

Takeaways and Next Steps

The Virginia Highlands Airport Authority’s request for county funding is a small but important piece of a much larger effort to expand and improve local aviation infrastructure. The hangar project, if approved, will not only meet the needs of local pilots and businesses but also support economic growth and community services in Washington County.

Key points to remember:
– The Authority is asking for $14,160 from the county to cover half the cost of on-site supervision.
– The project will add seven new hangars, with construction set to begin in mid-June 2025.
– The new hangars are expected to bring in over $12,000 per year for the county.
– Federal and state grants cover most costs, but local funding is needed for supervision.
– The Board of Supervisors will decide on the request at its May 27, 2025 meeting.

Residents, aviation users, and community members can attend the public meeting or contact the Airport Authority for more information. The outcome of this decision will shape the future of the airport and its role in the region for years to come.

For the latest updates, keep an eye on the Washington County Board of Supervisors’ agenda and the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority’s official communications.

Learn Today

Resident Project Representative → An onsite professional who supervises airport construction to ensure compliance and quality.
Box Hangar → A type of aircraft storage facility characterized by a rectangular shape used for housing planes.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → A U.S. government agency that provides grants and regulates aviation safety and infrastructure.
Virginia Resource Authority → A state agency that provides loans supporting public infrastructure projects including airport development.
Board of Supervisors → Local government body responsible for approving county funding and overseeing public projects.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Virginia Highlands Airport Authority seeks $14,160 from Washington County to fund onsite oversight for building seven new hangars. Starting June 2025, this $930,000 project will boost local aviation and generate over $12,000 yearly revenue, supported mainly by federal and state grants but relying locally for supervision funding.
— By VisaVerge.com