Ashland County Breaks Ground on New Airport Terminal: A Major Step Forward for Economic Growth and Aviation Education

Joe Lyons • March 25, 2025

Ashland County Breaks Ground on New Airport Terminal: A Major Step Forward for Economic Growth and Aviation Education

ASHLAND, OH – March 25, 2025 — In a landmark moment for Ashland County, officials broke ground Monday on a long-anticipated new terminal building at the Ashland County Airport, setting the stage for a wave of aviation and economic development that leaders say will reshape the region’s future.

Dozens of community members, local and state dignitaries, and aviation supporters gathered under overcast skies on March 24 to celebrate the ceremonial launch of construction for the $1.95 million project. Among those in attendance were State Senator Mark Romanchuk, State Representative Melanie Miller, Ashland Mayor Matt Miller, all three Ashland County Commissioners, Sheriff Kurt J. Schneider, and representatives from JobsOhio & TeamNEO with the Ashland County Airport Authority.

Ashland County Commissioner Mike Welch kicked off the event by acknowledging the collaborative effort that made the project possible. “I’m also Vice President of Economic Development,” Welch said. “And all this would not have been possible without the help from our economic development team, including Cameo Carey and Lindsey Hoover from the Simonson Construction Group. You get a couple of hardworking ladies involved, and things happen!”

Welch praised his fellow commissioners— Denny Bittle and Jim Justice—for working together on a shared vision. “We recognize projects that are vital and make sense. We gave $550,000 of our American Rescue Plan Act dollars, and we added another $900,000 for a total of $1.45 million.”

The remaining funding, including a critical $300,000 grant from JobsOhio’s Site Inventory Program (OSIP), allowed the county to officially move the project into the construction phase.

“A Terminal Designed for Tomorrow”

Tom Zupan, Trustee with the Ashland County Airport Authority, expressed both pride and gratitude in his remarks. “Today marks the beginning of an important next chapter,” he said. “Our current terminal has served us well, but it’s no longer adequate to meet the needs of our growing aviation community. Rather than patching an aging structure, we made the decision to invest in something forward-looking.”

The new 4,100-square-foot terminal will include a public pilots’ lounge, classrooms, meeting spaces, and a designated observation area for visitors. It’s also being designed with future expansion in mind—including the possibility of establishing a permanent flight school that would help address a national pilot shortage.

“We’re especially excited to include a space for a future FAA Part 141-certified flight school,” Zupan said. “It’s a facility built not just for today but for the next generation.”

Zupan also acknowledged Airport Manager Denny Baum and Secretary Tracie Baum, as well as architect Brad Adams of VSWC, whose firm developed the terminal’s design. The construction contract was awarded to local contractor SCS following a competitive bidding process.

“Elevating Ashland’s Role in Aviation”

Steve Bechtol, also a member of the Airport Authority and a longtime advocate for the terminal project, took the stage to reflect on the years of work leading up to the groundbreaking. “This day has been a long time in the making,” he said. “The Ashland County Airport quietly serves our community, powered largely by volunteers.”

Bechtol emphasized the educational potential of the new facility, pointing to the need for more pilots and aviation professionals. “We’re seeing a surge in demand. One airline I spoke with is looking to hire 11,000 pilots over the next five years,” he said. “We can be part of the solution right here in Ashland.”

He spoke of how the terminal’s thoughtful design—complete with runway-facing observation rooms and aviation-inspired architecture—is intended to inspire youth. “We want local kids to be able to hang out here and dream about flying. This isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about opportunity.”

Bechtol also referenced his personal aviation history, noting that his company, Blue Northern Enterprises—now part of Barr Air Patrol—operated from the Ashland County Airport for 17 years. “This is home,” he said. “We want to see businesses like ours continue to grow with the support of this new facility.”

“Investing in Growth and Community”

JobsOhio Sites Director Diana Rife outlined the larger impact the terminal will have. “This building will house a base of operations, classrooms, flight simulators, and will provide ADA-compliant facilities for visitors and aviation professionals alike,” Rife said. “This is about developing a skilled workforce and creating new career pathways right here in Ashland County.”

She emphasized that the $300,000 grant from JobsOhio was part of a broader statewide effort to invest in job-ready sites. “The support from state, federal, and local agencies—alongside private stakeholders—has been vital in moving this forward.”

“A Community Effort, A Vision Realized”

While much of the ceremony focused on the technical and financial aspects of the terminal, the prevailing message was one of gratitude and collective achievement.

“This terminal is more than steel and drywall,” Commissioner Mike Welch said in closing. “It’s a symbol. A commitment to our community. A signal to the world that Ashland is growing, innovating, and investing in its future.”

From economic growth to flight education and regional tourism, the Ashland County Airport’s new terminal represents a bold new era in the county’s aviation history. Construction is now officially underway, with completion expected in 2026.

As Tom Zupan put it, “This building is Ashland’s front door to the skies—and we’re proud to finally open it.”

“This Is a Win for Ashland and for Ohio”

State Senator Mark Romanchuk took the podium with a message of gratitude and recognition for the coalition that made the project possible.

“Congratulations to the Ashland community and the Ashland County Airport Authority for finally getting this done,” Romanchuk said. “And thank you to our sponsor, JobsOhio, the county commissioners, and most importantly, the taxpayers of Ohio—because of them, we at the state level have the resources to support projects like this.”

Romanchuk also paid tribute to former State Representative Darrell Kick, who helped get the ball rolling years ago. “He was the one who really spearheaded this effort early on, and through the help of the Commissioners, the vision stayed alive. Though term limits have since moved him on, he did a yeoman’s job with me on this project.”

He closed by presenting a “President’s Letter” from the Ohio Senate to commemorate the groundbreaking, saying, “We look forward to coming back and seeing the completed terminal soon.”

“Ashland Will Now Sparkle Even More”

Following Romanchuk’s remarks, State Representative Melanie Miller brought her signature enthusiasm to the celebration.

“This is a very exciting day in Ashland County,” she said. “Ohio is known as the birthplace of aviation—thanks to the Wright brothers and the innovation that started in Dayton. So it’s only fitting that Ashland is carrying that legacy forward.”

Miller emphasized the economic and educational opportunities that the new terminal will bring. “We need more pilots. We need more aviation mechanics. And projects like this allow us to meet that demand while drawing more people to our region.”

She also touched on the importance of first impressions: “When people fly in—whether to Columbus, Cleveland, or Ashland—airports are the front door to our communities. We all remember the great ones and the not-so-great ones. With this terminal, Ashland’s front door will shine.”

As Chair of the new House Arts, Athletics, and Tourism Committee, Miller stressed the importance of tourism and its link to regional development. “This project puts Ashland on the map. It’s a chance to attract new businesses, students, and families to our area.”

She concluded by citing the state’s recently passed House Bill 54, Ohio’s transportation budget, which invests $11.48 billion over two years into infrastructure—including airports.

“One of the exciting initiatives we just launched is the Division of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) under ODOT,” Miller said. “This will help Ohio remain a leader in efficient cargo transport and aviation innovation. Ashland’s new terminal is part of that vision.”