The Winchester Regional Airport has planned to build a $2.75 million taxiway addition to the north side of its runway.
“The ultimate goal is for private hanger development on the north side. This is the authorities portion of the project to bring the hangers to the runway and give them runway access,” said Operation Supervisor for Winchester Regional Airport Authority, David Foley.
The Airport Authority entered into a contract with General Excavation Inc., on Thursday, to accommodate future airport growth by extending the taxi way and adding a connector.
“GEI was the low bidder for the upcoming construction project that we’re starting this spring. Once the FAA, Virginia Department of Aviation and our attorney review the contract for compliance, then I will execute the agreement,” said Executive Director of Winchester Regional Airport Authority, Serena Manuels.
Private jet owners will have the opportunity to build hangers that meet their needs.
“If a potential tenant is interested in building a hanger, on the north side, they will have access to the runway. A private individual can construct a hanger in less than a year. It’s taken us almost two years to get to this point, to actually reach construction,” Foley said.
The funds for the project have come from three different sources.
“90% of that cost is funded by FAA and 8% by the Virginia Department of Aviation with 2% local match from our five jurisdictions that support the airport and make up the airport authority,” Manuels said.
According to airport officials, the project will start Spring 2017.