DUBOIS, Pa. (EYT) – The DuBois-Jefferson County Airport is facing financial issues and has asked Jefferson and Clearfield County for additional monetary help.
Jefferson County Commissioner Paul Corbin reported earlier this month local leaders are trying to learn more about the issue.
“We’re in the process of trying to determine exactly where things stand there and what precipitated these situations to occur, if it was lack of income or whatever,” Corbin said.
(Photo courtesy Airportia.com)
As of August 25, Corbin said county leaders haven’t yet obtained accurate financial figures to work with.
Corbin and Commissioner Jeffrey Pisarcik attended an August 12 strategic meeting and Corbin said more such meetings have been scheduled.
“(The airport) doesn’t have the funds to conduct audits. We have put forth that we will fund the 2013 audit for them and I think it’s imperative we do that,” Corbin said.
The airport is located north of DuBois in Clearfield County, but it is also supported by Jefferson County.
Clearfield County leaders have reportedly balked at contributing finances to the airport audits, which cost about $8,500.00 to conduct.
Corbin said August 25 Jefferson County has paid $8,600.00 to obtain the audit.
“I don’t know why those from Clearfield made some of the comments in the paper they did, but I think you have to have a base to start from. It’s no different than when we came into office and we didn’t know where the county was at the time. Until you establish bases, you can’t move forward. Right now we’re trying to figure out what the situation is and how best to move forward,” Corbin said.
Jefferson County contributes an estimated $80,000.00 to the airport on an annual basis, according to Corbin, but the airport authority has asked the county to provide a total of $163,000 this year.
“We haven’t made that decision yet. We need to have the information so we can make a sound financial decision. Who knows, the decision may be the counties can’t afford this. Clearfield has already indicated they don’t have the money and they’re not going to give any money. Does that mean the airport will change its business plan and go from a commercial airport to a business airport? Who knows, because there are more questions than there are answers,” Corbin said.
The State Aviation Commission reportedly wants the airport to survive, Corbin said.
“This may take a partnership between the counties, the state, and the federal government to get this thing turned around,” Corbin said.
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