|
|
|
Timothy F. Rogers, A.A.E., Salina Airport Authority, 785.827.3914, trogers@salair.org Jim Gregory, James Gregory Consultancy,
316.832.9733,
jim@jimgregoryworks.com Salina Airport Authority Approves New Runway Contract
Addition of the runway, financed by the Salina Airport through General Obligation Bonds, is in response to heavier air traffic at the airport and in anticipation of increasing future activity. The new runway will also provide enhanced safety for future flight operations. “The Salina Airport Authority is very pleased to be in a healthy fiscal position that permits us to accommodate recent growth and anticipate future economic expansion for this region. The Airport's improved infrastructure will help fuel that growth,” said John K. Vanier, II, Chairman of the Board. The Salina Airport Authority Board approved the project by a unanimous 5-0 vote. At today’s meeting, APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Division was awarded a $1.03 million contract to construct the new asphalt runway. APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Division, a Salina general contractor, was the low bidder. Salina Area Chamber of Commerce President Gerald Cook said, “The construction of the new parallel runway will enhance the Salina Airport's role as the nation's top mid-continent corporate jet fuel stop.” The new 4,300-foot runway, to be designated 17R-35L, is scheduled to be complete by May 2003. It will be utilized primarily for flight training, relieving current congestion on the Salina Airport's primary runway. Professional flight students attending the Kansas State University-Salina College of Technology & Aviation will benefit from having a traffic pattern separate from corporate jet and military training flights. Other airport users such as flight operations departments at Wichita's major aircraft manufacturers will also benefit from the parallel runway construction when conducting production test flights at Salina. Peak operating hour statistics indicate that the airport has experienced aircraft operations in excess of 90 per hour. Annual flight operations have increased to more than 90,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings; a 50 percent increase since 1996. Salina is a popular fuel stop for pilots flying cross-country and for military training missions. Construction of the new parallel runway will not disrupt airport activity and access to the Airport's two Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), Flower Aviation and Midway Aviation. The FBO's provide fueling and other aviation services for scheduled air carriers, air charter operators, corporate aircraft, general aviation aircraft and military/government flight operations. The Salina Municipal Airport and Industrial Center covers 4,000 acres and is home to more than 70 businesses employing more than 4,500 employees. Businesses and organizations such as Tony’s Pizza Service, Inc., Raytheon Aircraft Company’s Salina Division, ElDorado National of Kansas, Inc., Love Box Company, Kansas State University-Salina College of Technology and Aviation, Kansas Army National Guard, Salina Vortex Corporation, Ovation Cabinetry, Inc., and the Occupational Center of Central Kansas, Inc., combine to contribute more than $120 million in annual payroll to the Salina economy. The Salina Airport and Airport Industrial Center are integral components to the region's economy and the state's economic development efforts.
|