The New River Valley Airport in Dublin, Va. has asked localities who own the public use airport to produce an extra almost $89,632 in the coming year for repairs, in addition to federal funding they are already receiving.
The federal government will sponsor the $4.3-4.4 million repair project, called a "capital improvement." The seven localities (including Montgomery County) must produce the remaining two percent of the needed funds in order for repairs to begin.
"We've been told that we will receive some $600,000 in federal grant money in this fiscal year and the rest will come after Oct. 1 in the next fiscal year," said Shawn Utt, Community Relations Director for Pulaski and Airport Commission secretary. "So, if we get the additional money we've requested from the localities, repairs will start this summer."
Funds will be used to refurbish cracks in the 6,200 ft. runway, as well taxi and apron rehabilitation work. The repairs are based on complaints from the community and inspections from the Federal Aviation Administration.
"Mostly, the complaints have come from people who use the airport regularly. Basically, the main concern is the cracks in the runway — if the repairs aren't made, then we could be required to cut back aircraft traffic," said Bob Isner, director of Economic Development in Montgomery County.
Since the airport is publicly owned, funds cannot be derived from private individuals who base their crafts out of the New River Valley airport.
"The FAA looks at the number of private hangers an airport has and the more they find, the more funds the airport can qualify for," said Nick Glenn of Glenn Insurance with the New River Valley Airport. "So, the 20 or 30 private users we have are helping both indirectly and directly, through taxes and fuel purchases and the hanger rental fees."
Over the last 15-18 months, the airport has seen around 600 business flights, many of which are repeated trips by business people coming into the area.
"The airport does have a significant impact on the region," Isner said. "Reports show millions of dollars in activity through business people, shipping, industry, etc. The airport handles the size and weight that smaller airports can't handle, so the region would definitely be affected if the funds aren't gathered and the repairs aren't made."