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Is it beneficial for Kenbridge to stay in the airport partnership? Or is it time for them to leave the project? That’s what town council members have been asking in recent months. 

First, a little background. In 1966, when the Lunenburg County Airport was developed, ownership and expenses were split three ways. Lunenburg County owns 50%, while the towns of Kenbride and Victoria each own 25%, respectively. The groups meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the airport’s needs and future, with each group allowed to send one representative. But this time, Kenbridge officials want to better understand exactly what the contract says involving the future and what will actually benefit. 

Mainly, the Kenbridge Council wants to better understand the return on investment (ROI) that comes with the airport. Is it worth the money put into development and construction? County officials met with some employees from Kenbridge earlier in December, to review the status and get some answers. 

“(Airport Manager Larry Way) and I attended a requested meeting with Kenbridge Town Council to discuss their membership in the airport,” Lunenburg County Administrator Tracy told supervisors during their December meeting. “The council had concerns about the ROI for the airport and wants to re-evaluate their future participation” 

Kenbridge has questions about resources

Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews told the Dispatch the town is not looking to make any adjustments to the current split but is seeking information to clarify resources and opportunities at the airport are being maximized. 

“Kenbridge is not looking for a change, but questioned the return on investment,” Matthews said.  “Are we as a County and the citizens of our Towns, getting a fair return on the investment it takes to operate and make upgrades to the airport?  We merely needed some information regarding these issues.”

The Lunenburg County Airport commission rents T-hangars on a quarterly basis. The County is currently advertising for a long-term tenant for its large on-site hanger. County Administrator Gee shared that Lunenburg and its partnering cities continue to work toward maintaining and upgrading the airport as well as creating opportunities within it going forward. 

“We continue to seek a tenant for the hangar at the Airport and increase air traffic following the completion of the apron and runway paving project.  We also continue to seek tourism opportunities at the Airport,” Gee explained. “Historically, Lunenburg County has managed the Airport fund and the towns are required to make $1,500 cash or in-kind contributions annually, regardless of the County general fund transfer needed to maintain operations and maintenance.  Capital projects would ideally be split 50/25/25, which was the case with the recent paving project.  Our goal is to maintain the airport as a public asset for economic development, which often takes time and patience.”

Wait and see 

Date continues to be compiled based upon the meeting between Lunenburg County and Kenbridge about the airport’s ROI, according to Matthews. Both Matthews and Gee confirmed the desire and plans for continued partnership on the venture between the County and Town.