Sussex gets $3.1 million for airport runway expansion

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    Delaware’s congressional delegation announced that Sussex County received $3.1 million or the Sussex County Airport runway extension project from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration. This funding will allow construction to begin on improving the runway approach and extending the runway by 500 feet.

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    The project will allow the airport to handle larger aircraft and perhaps attract new business to the region.

    Sussex County will move ahead with construction in the coming weeks as engineering staff have been making preparations for the project while the grant application was pending, County Administrator Todd F. Lawson said.

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    County officials expect to have a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project in August. Construction of the 500-foot extension is expected to last through December 2013.

    Said Congressman Carney, “I’ve visited businesses, like PATS Aircraft Systems, that have told me they are ready to grow and hire more workers once the runway extension is complete. I’m excited that construction will start shortly, and look forward to the benefits that a larger, more accommodating Sussex County Airport will bring to Delaware.”

    “Sussex County is grateful to Sen. Carper and the rest of our congressional delegation for their relentless efforts in helping to secure this FAA grant,” said Sussex County Council President Michael H. Vincent. “These critical funds will not only pave the way for the Sussex County Airport runway extension, but the grant and the project itself will pave the way for new economic opportunities here in Sussex County.”

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