Delaware River and Bay Authority officials announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a grant of approximately $4.24 million to expand the existing Terminal Apron, realign a portion of Taxiway A, and rehabilitate portions of Taxiway C at the Wilmington – New Castle Airport.
The project is expected to begin in April 2017 and should be completed in December 2017. The new project will expand apron capacity around the terminal building and improve adjacent drainage, lighting and signage to meet general aviation demand.
“I 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. “A sound transportation network, which includes our airport facilities, is critical for the economic vitality of the region. Since 2006, our delegation has secured more than $40 million to improve and enhance infrastructure at ILG that is essential for the health and prosperity of the airport.”
“This grant award from the Federal Aviation Administration will help the New Castle Airport meet the aviation needs of the region,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “One vital part to moving our economy forward it to make sure we have up-to-date infrastructure that can handle our needs. This grant will help the airport do just that.”
“The New Castle Airport is an economic engine for our region,” said Sen. Coons. “It’s also important to the capabilities of the Delaware National Guard. These infrastructure upgrades will both help the competitiveness of the airport and will support the missions of the men and women in the National Guard.”
“The New Castle Airport is a vital part of our state’s transportation infrastructure and a major economic asset for Delaware,” said Congressman Carney. “We need to ensure that ILG’s facilities can continue to serve the demands of our state and this FAA grant will further that mission.”
During the past four calendar years, ILG has handled more than 337,000 airfield operations. Expansion of the terminal apron is intended to dovetail with the rehabilitation of Taxiway A to increase the apron’s capacity and access to the terminal building to meet aviation demand. Re-grading will be conducted on all new construction and
Re-grading will be conducted on all new construction and rehabilitation, and in the infield area adjacent to the Terminal Apron. The existing drainage system, including the addition of a new underground storm water treatment facility, will be enhanced and new edge lights and signs will be installed.
The existing drainage system, including the addition of a new underground storm water treatment facility, will be enhanced and new edge lights and signs will be installed, according to a DRBA release.
The airport has been in the news in recent years, due to the sudden entrance and departure of Frontier Airlines and more recent news that Textron Aviation may close its facility at the airport.
Frontier, even when service was at its peak, accounted for only a small percentage of total economic activity at the airport off DuPont Highway.
Figures from a 2013 report indicate that the airport accounts for 1,600 jobs at various businesses.
