Seeing the need for improved accommodations for Richmond Municipal Airport’s passengers and pilots, Economic Development Corp. of Wayne County is providing $250,000 from its taxpayer-funded budget toward a new terminal.
During the EDC’s March 2 board meeting, airport board chair Jonathan Meade and EDC President Valerie Shaffer described the airport as a gateway to Wayne County for many visitors, especially business leaders who are current community investors or might invest in the future.
Shaffer said she’s picked up prospective investors from the airport numerous times, calling it a great resource.
Between 2023-2025, the airport board commissioned designs and an environmental study for the Federal Aviation Administration using funds from the $1.2 trillion federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021. Construction bidding could occur in April.
Meade said a new building would solve several problems, such as Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, because the women’s restroom is upstairs and there’s no place for an elevator. It would also give pilots and crew a secure after-hours rest area. The passenger waiting area would triple, and a community room would host trainings and meetings.
The building costs about $2.8 million; a patio ($71,931) and a generator ($50,000) could be added.
After combining $750,000 airport funds, a private $200,000 grant and other FAA and local/state funding, the airport has secured $2,088,200 and needs $840,498.
The board is awaiting news on its $1.4 million FAA grant application in April. However, it’s preparing alternatives, such as pursuing $650,000 in naming rights, the EDC’s contribution of Consolidated Economic Development Income Tax Funds, and $500,000 in Richmond Redevelopment Commission grants spread over 2026 and 2027.
If FAA dollars are received, EDC funds could assist with delayed maintenance such as replacing an aging tractor for mowing, runway lighting and painting, and paving.
Meade said daily operations aren’t city funded. The airport operates in the black because of hangar leases, fuel sales, farm ground leases and occasional Richmond Redevelopment contributions.
Board member Marty Van Der Burgt said he believes Belden executives would use a nicer Richmond airport more often. His colleagues sometimes fly into Mount Comfort and drive to Richmond.
The board voted to contribute $250,000; Brian Ballenger abstained.
Downtown renovations
AP Development, which is acquiring five downtown Richmond buildings to renovate, has added a sixth building, 801 E. Main St., most recently home to Circle E Clothing.
Shaffer said AP’s also renovating the former Knollenberg store (809-817 E. Main) wrapping around 801, so it fits well with AP’s other projects. They also include 828-832, 728, 726 and 725-735 E. Main.
The acquisition adds five apartments, bringing AP Development’s total units to 105.
In other business
- Board members welcomed Lee Ann Bowman, new office manager. The Wayne County native lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and returned last fall.
- Nine movers are confirmed for 20 available spots through Make My Move incentives. September’s goal is on track. They’re coming from Illinois, Georgia, Chicago, and Fort Recovery, Ohio. One mover is a supervisor at Liberation Biosciences.
- Shaffer will attend the Select USA Trade Show in Washington, D.C. She will promote foreign direct investment opportunities in Indiana and will meet directly with potential investors.
- EDC’s annual meeting is 11:30 a.m. April 8 at Forest Hills Country Club.
A version of this article appeared in the March 11 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.