Marion Airport Set For Millions in Upgrades
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Marion Board of Airport Commissioners has approved a five-year, $8 million capital improvement plan. Upgrades to the Marion Municipal Airport will include a new taxiway and the addition of a hangar.
February 25, 2014
News Release
Marion, Ind. — The Marion Board of Airport Commissioners recently announced that its five-year capital improvement plan (CIP) for the Marion Municipal Airport has been approved.
The CIP outlines more than $8 million in additions and improvements to the airport, including the addition of a parallel taxiway in 2014. The $2 million taxiway will help increase safety at the airport along Runway 15-33.
“The Board is highly anticipating growth for the airport and the region over the next five years through the execution of these planned additions and improvements,” said Jim McKinney, Marion Board of Airport Commissioners President. “Support from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration continues to be an integral part of moving these projects along.”
Other projects slated in the CIP include an apron extension in 2016, which will help with aircraft maneuverability and allow for space to build corporate hangars. In 2016, the airport is also planning to add a T hangar.
“The T hangar will not only allow the airport to generate revenue, it will in turn benefit the local economy by providing visitors with a space to store aircraft and allowing them to extend their visits,” said McKinney. “This hangar will help attract future business opportunities to the area.”
Plans for 2018 and 2019 include a snow removal equipment building as well as additional roadway and taxiway rehabilitation projects to continue to improve safety for pilots and increase the life of the airport’s pavement.
The airport continues to strive towards self-sufficiency. Energy reduction analysis and projects are being reviewed to better lower overall maintenance cost of the airport. In 2013, the airport installed LED taxiway edge lighting, parking lot lights and energy-reducing lighting in hangars at the airport. The airport continues to look toward the future and at newer technology for the betterment of the community.
“The Board of Aviation Commissioners is seeing more business-related traffic and is excited about the opportunity the airport brings to the city of Marion and Economic Development,” said McKinney.