Delaware River and Bay Authority officials announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $4.6 million grant to complete the Runway 9-27 project at the Delaware Airpark in Kent County.
The project’s final phase involves the conversion of the existing Runway 9-27 to a parallel taxiway, construction of the final connector taxiway to the new runway and associated infrastructure. The new runway and taxiway system is expected to be completed by summer of 2018.
“On behalf of the commissioners and staff, we would like to thank Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and Congressman Carney for their efforts to secure this important federal funding,” said Scott A. Green, executive director for the DRBA. “General aviation plays an important role in our region’s economy and the completion of the new Runway 9-27 project is essential for the health and prosperity of this general aviation airport.”
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.
“This federal funding will go a long way in our efforts to ensure that the future of general aviation in the First State is a prosperous one,” said Carper. “By expanding the runway at Delaware Airpark, we can ensure that the airport is able to meet and exceed the demands of air travel in central Delaware. As the Airpark expands and attracts new clients to the area, our local economy will reap the benefits.”
“The FAA’s continued investment in the Delaware Air Park helps DSU’s aviation program train more pilots who are in demand by industry, while helping strengthen the network of smaller airports that serve an important transportation needs in rural Delaware,” said Coons. “This is also a reminder of how critical the FAA is, and why we need a long term reauthorization to the FAA.”
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.
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.
