DRBA, DE congressional delegation announce $4.6 million federal grant for Delaware Airpark

Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a grant of approximately $4.6 million to complete the Runway 9-27 project at the Delaware Airpark.  The project’s final phase involves the conversion of the existing Runway 9-27 to a parallel taxiway (35’ wide), construction of the final connector taxiway (35’ wide) to the new runway (4,200’ x 75’), and associated infrastructure.  The new runway and taxiway system is expected to be completed by summer, 2018.

The ongoing multi-year project to expand the airport by constructing a new runway, taxiway, and apron system began in 2004.  Land acquisition, design, environmental, and construction costs associated with this multi-year project to enhance the infrastructure at Delaware Airpark will total more than $31 million at the conclusion of this phase.

The overall project provides a runway, taxiway and apron system that enhances flight operations and safety.   The new system is designed with adequate runway length and apron dimensions to meet current and anticipated future demands of the aviation community.  In addition, the facility serves a congestion-relief role for corporate traffic at the Civil Air Terminal at Dover Air Force Base.  The airfield paving elements in this phase will ready the runway and taxiway system for use.

Delaware Airpark serves the general aviation needs of central Delaware and the Capital city of Dover, including the aircraft of the Delaware State University Aviation Program.  It is the base for flight training conducted by Delaware State University for the Air Force ROTC program and other clients such as the Department of Interior and NASA.