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The first airfield in Athens was located on East State Street
at the current Kroger's site. It was owned by the Rowland
Family until 1943 when Ohio University purchased it. The airfield
was initially used for the Civilian Air Patrol and eventually
for the university's aviation training program. In the late
1960's with the planning for the new highway, the university
was forced to find another location for its airfield. After
exploring nine sites, Albany was selected. The airfield was
constructed with 4200 feet of runway. The airport is named
for former university trustee, newspaper publisher and aviation
supporter, Gordon K. Bush.
For
more than thirty years, a small metal house which was purchased
for the sum of $1 has served as the airport terminal building.
As the vision for the airport has expanded and its contribution
to the region's economic development has been recognized so
too has the need to expand all facets of the airport facility
and programs. A runway expansion was completed in Fall 2002
bringing the length to 5600 ft. Approaches include a full
ILS, NDB and GPS. Growth in Aviation Training, Avionics Engineering,
Airport Operations, General Aviation, and charter service
emphasize the importance of this significant expansion.
The C. David Snyder Terminal opened in April 2002. Serving
as a gateway to the university, the building boasts 6500 square
feet and includes a large passenger waiting area, pilot's
lounge and snooze rooms, offices for the airport director,
transportation coordinator, pilots, aircraft attendants, a
weather station and flight planning room, and a conference
room. The architecture combines the familiar signature brick
of Ohio University with the sloped roof-line of an airport
hangar. It is a modern, functional facility designed by Columbus
architect, Tony Schorr.
The inspiration came from David Snyder's vision and financial
support of Ohio University's commitment to regional economic
development. Snyder Terminal is a tribute to the many people
who worked on this project and a beautiful facility for those
who will come through the airport for travel, meetings, learning,
and who will visit Ohio University and southeastern Ohio for
the very first time.
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