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Airport manager outlines runway-extension, hangar and fuel-farm projects; construction expected later this year
Summary
Airport manager updated commissioners on a 700-foot runway extension, four county hangars, triangle taxiway design and Illinois Valley fuel-farm projects; FAA approvals and 12-week equipment lead times mean construction expected late summer to fall.
The county’s airport manager briefed the board on multiple airport projects queued for the summer and fall construction seasons.
Key items and status updates: - Runway extension: A 700-foot runway-extension project is at approximately 95% design; plans will be submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration this week and county legal review is pending. Bids are expected in June and construction could begin in early August, pending FAA and procurement schedules. - County hangars: Four county hangars are under contract with a steel supplier; the contractor (JB Steel) has ordered material and a 12-week lead time was noted; construction is expected to continue into the late summer or early fall once steel is delivered. - Triangle taxiway: Design work is at 95%; the project will be submitted to the FAA for approval and is tied to hangar development phases. - Illinois Valley fuel farm: Design is at 95%; FAA submission planned; anticipated construction start in late September after equipment delivery windows. - Public-works utility work: Public-works water and sewer installations to the airport terminal are ahead of schedule; water testing has reached the terminal building.
The airport manager and commissioners discussed scheduling of a larger public “airport day” community event; the airport staff plans to aim for Father's Day 2026 to ensure sufficient lead time for large displays and coordination.
Why it matters: Runway length, fuel availability and hangar capacity affect the airport’s ability to serve larger business aircraft, increase fuel sales and support economic activity tied to aviation and related businesses.
Next steps: Staff will submit final designs to the FAA, advertise bid packages when appropriate, and return to the board with procurement results and construction schedules.
