The Kent State University Airport received two grants that will allow it to purchase one of their “top wish-list” items.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a grant of $309,375 to the airport for an automated weather observation system. The AWOS provides continuous reports on airport weather conditions.

The airport also received a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for $51,399 for new ground equipment.

“AWOS will benefit the university community and those looking for precise weather observation information,” Airport Manager David Poluga told Kent State’s e-Inside.

Poluga also told e-Inside that the airport has been trying to obtain one of the grants for decades.

The second grant the airport received will cover 75 percent of the cost to replace their 1992 diesel-powered ground support equipment with a 2018 model of all electric equipment.

The Kent State Aeronautics program is the largest flight training school in Ohio.

“Not only does it allow us to perform an essential service for the people who utilize the airport, but it also allows us to do it in a clean, sustainable way,” Polgua told e-Inside. “This will go a long way in meeting air quality objectives for the airport.”

The improvements being made all help to ensure the airport continues to follow its master plan by advancing in “overall sustainability to meet operational, environmental, social and financial objectives.”

Maria McGinnis is the technology reporter. Contact her at [email protected]