DelCorp submitted a new offer in March to join with Middlesex County in a public-private partnership to build a new terminal building, associated taxiways, and a “ramp” on which planes can park at Hummel Field.
The county must solicit other bids for the terminal, taxiway, and ramp project before it can move forward.
(On April 2 at 7 p.m. the Middlesex Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing and consider rezoning 75 acres at Hummel Field airport to Light Industrial. See related story in this week’s issue.)
Terminal building
This week Barber explained that the state will fund up to 90% of the cost for a new terminal building, estimated at $1.5 million for a 4,400 square-foot terminal. The local share would be $150,000, and Barber said he would pay half, if the county agrees to lower the personal property tax on airplanes from $2 per $100 to 50 cents per $100.
Barber said a lower tax rate could attract planes to Hummel Field airport. He said it’s not uncommon for a plane to be worth $1 million.
The current terminal is a double-wide “manufactured” building and is about 1,200 square feet.
Taxiways
Also in DelCorp’s proposal are paved taxiways and “ramps” where planes can park. He estimates the cost at $800,000 with the state paying 80% and the county paying 20% is about $160,000.
Neither of DelCorp’s proposals have state approval at this time.
