NORWICH – High insurance costs are threatening a money-making opportunity for the county at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton/Chenango County Airport.

Airport Administrator Don MacIntosh told members of the Planning & Economic Development Committee on Tuesday that a business interested in renting t-hangar space could not afford the county’s quote for insurance.

Last month, members of the Board of Supervisors authorized a three-year lease to Plane Leather Repair Inc. of Bainbridge. They set a monthly rental fee for the 5,100 square feet of space at 22 cents per square foot plus utilities, or approximately $13,000 per year.

MacIntosh said the business could afford only $1 million in coverage, not the $5 million liability, or $18,000 per year, advised by the county’s attorney and insurance consultant.

“He said he can’t do it,” MacIntosh said.

The start-up, leather upholstery business specializes in refurbishing aircraft seats and interiors. It currently operates out of a trailer that is hauled to airports to make repairs for clients.