Monday the Manhattan Airport Advisory Board voted to add a position on the Board to represent Junction City. Manhattan Mayor Ed Klimek told the Board, "In an effort to strengthen regional relationships and in light of the fact that we have a Regional Airport, I am interested in creating a new position the Board to represent Junction City. I believe such a position will serve to create better communication and understanding of the regional services available at the Airport and provide our community with valuable input and feedback."

The City Commission must now approve the new position.

The Board also heard good news from Washington D.C. The board was told that the House Armed Services Committee had included funding for the Manhattan Airport in the Fiscal Year 2003 National Defense Authorization Bill. If the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law it would provide $4.9 million for ramp expansion and deployment facilities at the Manhattan Airport. The project would aid rapid air deployment of units at the post.

The Board was told that the new Air Traffic Control Tower is approximately 75 percent complete. The completion date is anticipated for mid June. Application have been filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for all required antenna and frequency licenses.

The Board was told that more than 50% of the Airport Hangers were damaged by the April 19th strong winds in excess of 81 miles per hour. Numerous small aircraft stored in the standard t-hangers received damage.

Extensive internal and external damage occurred to the General Aviation Training & Testing building (the old terminal). Damage is estimated at approximately $350,000.

Signs and airfield lighting also received damage.

New Airport Director Russ Johnson attended his first Board meeting.