Delaware River and Bay Authority officials announced Wednesday the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a grant of approximately $4.6 million to complete the Runway 9-27 project at the Delaware Airpark.
The project’s final phase involves the conversion of the existing Runway 9-27 to a parallel taxiway, 35 feet wide, construction of the final connector taxiway, 35 feet wide to the new runway, 4,200 by 75 feet, and associated infrastructure.
The new runway and taxiway system is expected to be completed by summer 2018.
“On behalf of the Commissioners and staff, we would like to thank Sen. Carper, Sen. Coons, and Congressman Carney for their efforts to secure this important federal funding,” said Scott A. Green, Executive Director for the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
The ongoing multi-year project to expand the airport by constructing a new runway, taxiway, and apron system began in 2004. Land acquisition, design, environmental, and construction costs associated with this multi-year project to enhance the infrastructure at Delaware Airpark will total more than $31 million at the conclusion of this phase.
The overall project provides a runway, taxiway and apron system that enhances flight operations and safety. The new system is designed with adequate runway length and apron dimensions to meet current and anticipated future demands of the aviation community. In addition, the facility serves a congestion-relief role for corporate traffic at the Civil Air Terminal at Dover Air Force Base. The airfield paving elements in this phase will ready the runway and taxiway system for use.
Delaware Airpark serves the general aviation needs of central Delaware and the Capital city of Dover, including the aircraft of the Delaware State University Aviation Program. It is the base for flight training conducted by Delaware State University for the Air Force ROTC program and other clients such as the Department of Interior and NASA.
The Delaware River and Bay Authority is a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing. The Authority also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers ––Millville Airport and Cape May Airport in New Jersey and the New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark in Delaware. For more information, visit www.drba.net.
http://delawarestatenews.net/news/delaware-airpark-gets-4-6m-grant-to-complete-runway-project/