The Williamsburg–Whitley County Airport will receive much-needed repairs to its runway thanks to $250,000 in state funds.
Governor Matt Bevin announced last Thursday that the airport would be one of the first general-aviation airports across the commonwealth to benefit from $20 million earmarked to pay for the restoration and maintenance of pavements in poor condition.
“I would like to formally thank the governor for the inclusion of the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport as a recipient of funding from the most recent budget,” said Rep. Regina Bunch, R-Williamsburg. “The $250,000 allocated for our local airport is essential predominately for the community to continue its local aviation. It is my hope that this capital will be utilized to encourage and provide safe commercial and recreational travel.
Bevin said this money and the money that will be appropriated for similar projects is an economic investment.
“Maintaining and preserving airport infrastructure is critical to the economic viability of our Commonwealth,” Bevin said.
Airport Manager Don Strickland said the repairs and some repaving were something the airport board planned to do in a year or two.
“This is the first time cracks have been repaired on this runway,” Strickland said, noting the runway is approximately 10 years old.
The state investment will not only move the project forward but enable the airport to fund other planned projects sooner than previously expected.
Strickland said other projects on the horizon include:
“I appreciate Gov. Bevin and my colleagues in the Senate who worked to get this additional funding for our airports,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “Anytime we can improve accessibility and transportation in our districts, it’s a positive move for our local economy.”
http://www.thenewsjournal.net/wburg-airport-receives-250k-runway-repairs/