Published Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Airport expansion could be done by September
By Alex McRae
The Times-Herald
Work is to begin on the expansion of runways and taxiways on the east side of the Newnan-Coweta Airport and weather permitting, the project will be complete by September, airport manager Calvin Walker told members of the Coweta County Airport Authority Tuesday.
The $771,163 project -- just approved by Coweta and state officials -- will pave approximately 800 feet of new taxiway and approximately 1,200 feet of hangar taxiway, opening up for development an area that could house up to 12 new hangars large enough to handle corporate jets, according to Walker.
The spaces would be leased by the authority to private contractors for development and construction of hangars.
"This project will really get us moving forward," Walker said. "Everyone is ready to get going."
Engineer Reg Weaver said demand for new corporate hangar space is at a premium right now. He reported that his contacts at smaller metro airports said there is no hangar space available and no room for expansion, making the Coweta project even more attractive to a growing number of potential clients.
"The demand is there for facilities large enough to handle corporate aircraft," Weaver said. "I think we're really going to be successful."
The east side expansion project consists of four phases. The total project could accommodate up to 22 new 100-foot by 120-foot hangars, three taxiways, and a 35-foot wide apron extending south from the existing Thomas Enterprises hangars and the new Falcon Aviation Academy. When completed, the project could open 30 acres for new development.
McCoy Grading has already been awarded the contract and could begin work within a month. Since rough grading and other site improvements have already been done, the project will be completed quickly, according to Walker.
"If the weather holds and we don't get any heavy rains we should be done very soon," Walker said.
On other business, the authority reported that finances are in good shape for the fiscal year to date.