Last week, Sussex County officials and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper announced $1 million in federal funding for Delaware Coastal Airport’s runway extension project.
This funding will go toward the environmental assessment and preliminary design of the runway extension to 6,000 feet. It’s part of $154 million in federal funding secured by the state’s congressional delegation for Delaware community projects.
One of the closed runways at the Georgetown airport has been rehabilitated to serve as a crosswind runway, the main runway has been extended to 5,500 feet, and airfield lighting systems have been updated.
Extending the runway to 6,000 feet brings the potential for continued economic growth in the region. The airport and adjacent area is home to aviation employers and other businesses. Due in part to the presence of the airport and the headquarters of an American Airlines subsidiary in neighboring Salisbury, MD. the county has not targeted the airport for passenger service, despite a growing year-round population.
“Delaware Coastal Airport is an economic driver for the region with so much potential,” said Carper. “I always say Senators, Governors, Congresswomen – we don’t create jobs. We create a nurturing environment for job growth and job preservation. This funding to help extend the runway will allow larger planes to land here, providing an attractive place for businesses to do operations to and from Sussex County and beyond. Between the flight activities and industrial park tenants, the airport is the centerpiece for thousands of really good jobs. I’m proud to work with Senator Coons and Congresswoman Blunt Rochester to secure the funding for much anticipated project.”
“Sussex County is thankful to Sen. Carper and the entire Delaware delegation for their tenacity and tireless efforts to make this funding possible,” said County Administrator Todd F. Lawson. “The runway extension project at Delaware Coastal Airport has been our top priority for years, and now with this federal funding earmarked, we’re one step closer to moving the plans from concept to reality.”
