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DRBA, DE Congressional Delegation Announce $4.6 Million Federal Grant for Delaware Airpark for New Runway, Taxiway

- Private group -
July 14, 2016

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43 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
United States

DRBA, DE Congressional Delegation Announce $4.6 Million Federal Grant for Delaware Airpark for New Runway, Taxiway

(Cheswold, Delaware)  Today, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a grant of approximately $4.6 million to complete the Runway 9-27 project at the Delaware Airpark (33N).  The project’s final phase involves the conversion of the existing Runway 9-27 to a parallel taxiway (35’ wide), construction of the final connector taxiway (35’ wide) to the new runway (4,200’ x 75’), 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 at the conclusion of this phase.

“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 Senator 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 Senator Coons. “This is also a reminder of how critical the FAA is, and why we need a long term reauthorization to the FAA."

“The Runway 9-27 project will bring much needed infrastructure improvements to the Delaware Airpark, helping to meet the growing general aviation needs of central Delaware,” said Congressman Carney.  “This FAA grant will help leverage additional investment to bring more traffic to the Airpark, and stimulate the local economy. I am very pleased with the federal, state, and local partnership that came together to make this happen.”

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.  The airfield paving elements in this phase will ready the runway and taxiway system for use. 

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. 

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority

The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages corporate and aviation properties through its economic development powers - two airports in New Jersey (Millville Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (New Castle Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.

 

 

 

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