Airport Manager Crisco outlines runway extension and infrastructure projects at city meeting

The Josephine County Administration Workshop held on May 20, 2025, focused on community networking initiatives and updates from various departments, particularly the airport management.

The meeting began with discussions on local support services, including soup kitchens and thrift stores, aimed at assisting families in need. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations such as the women's crisis center and early intervention services. A request was made for clearer breakdowns of funding requests into manageable steps, which was positively received.

Following this, the airport manager, Mike Crisco, provided a comprehensive update on several key projects. He highlighted the ongoing 700-foot runway extension, which is on schedule, with 95% of the drawings ready for submission to the FAA. Bids for the project are expected to be due by June, with construction anticipated to start in early August. This extension aims to accommodate larger business jets, enhancing safety and operational capacity at the airport.

Crisco also reported on the construction of four new county hangars, with a timeline for completion set for late summer. Additionally, he mentioned the completion of designs for the triangle taxiway and the Illinois Valley fuel farm, both of which are progressing towards FAA approval.

The meeting concluded with discussions about community engagement, particularly the planning of an airport day event scheduled for Father's Day 2026. While there were suggestions for smaller scale events in the interim, the airport advisory board expressed a preference for a larger event next year.

Overall, the workshop underscored the county's commitment to enhancing community services and infrastructure, with a focus on transparency and collaboration among departments. Future meetings will continue to provide updates on departmental activities and community initiatives.