SAN BERNARDINO >> With air traffic increasing dramatically, the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded San Bernardino International Airport a $1.3 million federal grant to improve its taxiway.
“We want to make sure that the entire 22,300 feet of taxiway will meet the strict rules of the of the FAA regarding foreign object debris,” said Mark Gibbs, SBIA aviation director.
Fast-moving planes can suck up debris on runways and taxiways, hurling them with dangerous consequences into planes and ground crew, Gibbs said, noting the importance of having in-tact concrete for their airport ground travel.
Air operations will likely increase to about 40,000 takeoffs and landings this year, up from 30,000 last year, he said.
“We will exceed 30,000 by the end of September,” he said.
Much of that increase is due to corporate and general aviation aircraft arriving from Canada and Mexico and needing to clear U.S. customs at SBIA, Gibbs said.
For years, SBIA airport landings and takeoffs stagnated at the 23,000 to 25,000 level, he said.
“I’m glad the FAA made this critical investment in San Bernardino International Airport,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino.
“Improving our roads, rails, bridges and air transportation is key to getting our regional economy back on track and connecting the Inland Empire with the rest of the state and country.”
Mayor Carey Davis, who is also president of the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, said, “We extend our utmost appreciation to the Federal Aviation Administration, who worked closely with SBIAA, to ensure that this important airport improvement project received the attention and funding it deserved.”
http://www.sbsun.com/business/20150924/san-bernardino-airport-to-get-13-million-face-lift