CHIPPEWA TWP. -- The Beaver County Airport runway will be getting a facelift because the Federal Aviation Administration has approved a $2.55 million grant for the project.
"It's great," said airport director Beth LaValle. "Great news."
LaValle said the 4,500-foot-long by 100-foot-wide runway was last repaved in 1990. Dan Donatella, airport authority chairman, said there are cracks in the runway and some deteriorating areas.
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"It's very significant and very, very much needed," he said of the federal funding, which was announced today by U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire. "It's very much appreciated."
LaValle said the grant calls for the airport authority and PennDOT to contribute 2.5 percent each, about $60,000 per agency. That money has already been budgeted for the airport, she said.
In a statement released by his office, Altmire, D-4, McCandless Township, said it is critical to upgrade local airports, such as the county's, so they can compete with larger ones.
Altmire also said the renovation work will create jobs and help the county in attracting more flights to the 57-year-old airport.
There are 159 aircraft based at the airport, LaValle said. The airport had 192 takeoffs and landings in August, she said.
Donatella said he expects the runway work to be completed by mid to late summer 2012.
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