Enquirer Journal - September 22, 2010
The Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport will soon benefit from grants of $2.6 million.
Rep. Larry Kissell, D-NC, announced Wednesday the airport would receive the funds, provided by the Department of Federal Aviation and Administration through the State Block Grant Program, a statement by Kissell said.
The money will be used to lengthen and strengthen existing runways and taxiways at the airport and to rehabilitate existing aprons, according to the statement.
“Work to expand and improve this facility will create jobs right here in our district, while enhancing runway access and meeting important Federal Aviation Administration safety guidelines. As the home to the highest concentration of aerospace companies in our state, the City of Monroe will now provide further opportunity for economic development in this growing industry,” Kissell said.
The money will not be used for the airport’s current projects. It is planned for projects set to begin in 2011, said Chris Plate´, the executive director of Monroe’s Economic Development and Aviation.
The money will be for runway overlay and rehabilitation work planned for the existing asphalt where the planes usually park, he said.
The current project to extend the airport’s runway by 1,500 feet, is expected to be completed by the end of October, he said.