Westmoreland County Airport Authority expects to save about $185,000 by refinancing bonds issued in 2014.

The board Tuesday locked in a rate of 1.58% for refinancing slightly more than $5 million in bonds with Chase Bank, which presented the best of six proposals, according to authority consultant Jay Wenger of Susquehanna Group Advisers.

“The market is not quite as good as it was in October, but it’s still close,” Wenger said.

The new bond issue is set to close Jan. 20. Before that occurs, the county commissioners will consider a required bond guarantee at their meeting Thursday.

There is no change to the maturity date for the bonds, which is in 2029.

The commissioners also are expected to vote Thursday on a final 2022 county budget. The proposed budget provided a $3.1 million allocation for the airport authority, up from $2.7 million this year. That includes about $949,000 to cover debt service payments.

Project bids sought

The authority agreed to seek bids for two upcoming projects at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity: modification of a fuel spill containment structure to safely store de-icing fluid; and purchase and installation of an upgraded electronic sign on airport property, at Routes 30 and 981.

First, the projects must pass a review by PennDOT’s Bureau of Aviation, which is providing funding for the airport improvements.

Construction began this week on improvements to the corporate hangar area at Rostraver Airport, including installation of security cameras and extension of water service for future hangar development.

New title for staffer

Gabe Monzo, executive director of the airport authority, announced the appointment of Moe Haas, the Arnold Palmer airport’s operations director, to the vacant post of airport manager. The new title comes with no additional pay, according to Monzo.

Monzo said he isn’t planning on retiring any time soon, but, he added, “It’s important to have a backup person. Moe’s been doing this for about five years.”

“We’ve been through a lot, and I’ve seen a lot through the years,” said Haas, who has worked at the airport for three decades. “We have a good crew of people here. Everybody is concerned about this airport.”

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