HANNIBAL, MO — Hannibal Regional Airport hopes to reach faster speeds with more than $600,000 worth of upgrades.
The money is being put to use in several different areas.
Former military pilot and Table Rock, Missouri native, Ernie Wattam has been flying for 40 years.
Heading north for the Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-in, Hannibal is A location known by pilots nationwide.
“It’s a perfect stop for us, it’s half way between our house and Oshkosh, it has great service, people are friendly, gas is always ready to go so it’s perfect for us,” Wattam shared.
The convenient location is why Fixed-Based Operations Manager at Hannibal Regional, Robin Carroll says the airport enhances the Hannibal economy.
“The people coming into the airport. They will stay in our motels, eat at our restaurants, shop at our stores,” Carroll explained. “They love America’s hometown!”
The project cost is $653,236.30.
Executive Director of the Northeast Missouri Eonomic Council, George Walley, says the city is matching 10% at $65,325.
“The only federal and public money is being used to make the entrance off the taxiway and the expansion of the apron.” Walley elaborated, “The people building the private hangers will build their hangers and build the apron to connect with the public ramp.”
Additionally, Wifi is being installed for staff and public use.
Jviation Aviation Engineering is designing the construction plans.
Hannibal Public Works Superintendent, Brian Chaplin, says this project is possible because the F-A-A and Mo-DOT Aviation generate money annually for city projects.
“We have like four to five years of generated moneys that we need to spend,” Chaplin explained. “It’s a great time to go ahead and put this project together.”
KHQA did confirm that one of the two hangars will be the new home of Survival Flight, the second is being constructed by a private contractor.
Moving forward, the first reading to accept the F-A-A grant money and approve bids to start construction is Tuesday night at the Hannibal City Council.
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