USD18 million expansion project underway at Indiana County Airport

(CAPA) Indiana County Airport announced that its USD18 million multi-phase expansion project is underway. Initial work involves rebuilding nearby Geesey Rd. Phase one will also include wetland mitigation and stream enclosure work, as well as the construction of underground utility lines. The project’s second phase will involve paving, lighting and fencing work.

A new 5,500-foot runway will be constructed 300 feet South of the airport’s existing 4,000 square-foot one. The new runway, which will meet FAA standards, will provide aircraft with a safer, more sufficient landing area. DuBois-based engineering firm, Lee-Simpson Associates, is designing the expansion. Construction on the new runway is tentatively scheduled to commence on 05-Oct-07.

“Indiana is growing--there’s no doubt about it. Companies coming in and out of the area have clients here and are looking to expand,” says airport manager Todd Heming. “Execs want to get in and out quickly, and corporations have started chartering and buying aircraft for business usage. The development of time-share aircrafts is also growing.”

Mr Heming, who says that private companies are looking to construct hangars at the airport, expects further expansion to take place at the site. The project has received funding from local sources, the FAA and the state’s Bureau of Aviation.