Van Nuys Airport, one of the busiest general aviation centers in the country, will receive an $18.4-million federal grant to reconstruct and replace its main runway, government officials announced Friday.
The Federal Aviation Administration funds will pay for rehabilitating the entire 8,000-foot runway, which has several key sections that have become severely worn and cracked.
“This funding will help improve Van Nuys Airport’s infrastructure and will keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “Investing in our nation’s airports promotes economic growth.”
Van Nuys had about 300,000 takeoffs and landings in 2011. It is home to hundreds of aircraft, including helicopters, public safety aircraft, vintage planes and private jets.
Reconstructing the runway is set to begin early next year and will take nine months to complete.
The grant is from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which provides $3.35 billion annually for projects to improve the safety, capacity, and environment of the nation’s general aviation and commercial airports.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/van-nuys-airport-gets-184-million-federal-grant.html