KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Stimulus Check: Airport Rescue Vehicle
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By Brian Heap (WICHITA, Kan.)
The nation's economic stimulus package is helping the Wichita Airport Authority scratch an item off its wish list.
The Federal Aviation Administration has approved nearly $330,000 for the purchase of a new Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle for Mid-Continent Airport.
"It's our quick response vehicle. It responds to just about everything out here on the airport," said Airport Police and Fire Chief Paul Moore. Moore said the new vehicle will replace Safety 1, which is a 1997 model truck used primarily for firefighting and emergency rescue.
Moore told the FactFinder 12 Investigators that the truck is nearing the end of its useful life. He said typically, ARFF vehicles are recommended for replacement about every 10 years. As he spoke, water was seen dripping from a spray cannon mounted on the truck's front bumper.
"We've addressed this issue on this particular turret several times. It's getting old and it's starting to leak quite a bit," said Moore. He cited that as one of several signs of aging and deterioration with the truck. He noted that while the truck is well maintained, plumbing corrosion can result over time from the use of firefighting chemicals during hundreds of training hours. Such corrosion could cause equipment to fail when it's needed the most.
"The guys that operate this equipment have to be highly trained. And this equipment gets used a lot in training. And even though it looks good on the outside, on the inside it's been used hard," said Moore.
Moore said he believes the purchase of the new ARFF vehicle is a good use of the stimulus money because taxpayers will get a piece of equipment that will be used to protect everyone who flies in and out of Mid-Continent Airport. Moore said the city budget is tight and most airport money is earmarked for the terminal expansion. He added the new truck would likely remain on the airport's wish list for a few years, if not for the economic stimulus funding.
"Can we get by with this truck? Sure, we can get by. Would we get by a littler better with a newer truck that's newer technology that's maybe going to perform better when it's under a stressful situation. We'd be better off with the newer truck," Moore said.
The new truck is being built now in Oshkosh, WI and set for delivery next spring. FactFinder 12 is trying to get information from the truck manufacturer about the impact the purchase will have on jobs. As soon as that information becomes available, it will be added to this story.
