Fuel Resilience Upgrades Advance After Helene

The Rutherford County Airport Authority on Monday approved a slate of infrastructure upgrades, budget adjustments, and a private hangar transfer, pointing to operational gaps exposed by recent severe weather, including impacts from Hurricane Helene.

At its May 4 meeting, the board awarded a contract for a fuel farm generator project designed to keep aircraft fueling operations running during power outages. Airport Director Devon Raisch said the investment is critical to maintaining service continuity during emergencies.

“This was something that was essential for us to be able to operate and fuel aircraft,” Raisch said, adding the system will help ensure uninterrupted access to fuel deliveries when electrical service is disrupted.

The contract was awarded to RJ Tenney Electric after officials said the company submitted a bid well below that of its competitors. While some board members noted limited familiarity with the firm, they confirmed it meets state licensing standards and qualifications set by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

In a separate vote, the authority approved a change order to expand a perimeter fencing project aimed at improving safety and reducing wildlife incursions. The upgrade will include 10-foot-high fencing topped with barbed wire, along with ground-level protections consistent with recommendations from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Airport officials said wildlife hazards have already affected operations, including a recent incident in which a jet maneuvered to avoid a deer on or near the airfield.

The fencing plan also includes aesthetic enhancements, such as black-coated sections near the terminal and hangars to improve the airport’s appearance for visitors. The additional cost — estimated at $10,100 — will be covered by existing grant funding, officials said.

The board also approved the private sale of Hangar 6B for $325,000. Airport leadership said the authority had no immediate operational need or available funding to purchase the property and recommended allowing the transfer between private parties.

On the financial side, members reviewed and approved a proposed budget request that reflects staffing changes, maintenance needs and fuel market volatility. Raisch said the airport is adjusting staffing levels following recent hires and a retirement, while maintaining flexibility in fuel purchasing.

The airport typically budgets for about 100,000 gallons of fuel annually, though actual demand fluctuates depending on tenant activity and broader market conditions.

“We’re trying to stay within the market and be fair and equitable to anybody coming in and out,” Raisch said, noting that fuel prices are reviewed weekly based on supplier rates and regional comparisons.

Maintaining a budget buffer helps offset price swings and unexpected demand shifts, officials said.

The board voted to submit the updated budget for further consideration before closing the public portion of the meeting and entering a closed session in accordance with North Carolina law.

The actions reflect a broader effort by local officials to harden airport infrastructure and maintain safe, reliable operations as Rutherford County continues to recover from recent extreme weather events.

For more information, watch the meeting and read the agenda packet.