_ _ <br /> 1Z. <br /> June 21, 20 <br /> CONTACT: Gale Mills, Project Manager, 682-6854 <br /> From Public nformation Section, 682-5523 or 954-2938 <br /> FOR IMMED ATE RELEASE <br /> Construction Begins on Project to Build New Runway at Airport <br /> Cons ruction is under way on a $16.5 million project to build a new runway at Eugene <br /> Airport. <br /> ~ Wildi h Construction, based in Eugene, was awarded the bid to build the new runway. Mead <br /> and Hunt Inc., with offices in Eugene, is in charge of project engineering and construction management. <br /> "Tha ks to the ongoing support and vision of Congressman Peter DeFazio, our community <br /> ~ is able to ma e a major investment that improves airport safety, increases commercial and general <br /> aviation dev lopment opportunities, and generates local jobs," said Bob Noble, manager of the <br /> Eugene Airp rt. <br /> i <br /> Then w runway, called the parallel runway because it runs parallel to the 8,000-foot-long <br /> primary run y at the Eugene Airport, will be 6,000 feet long. It is designed to enhance the <br /> airport's ope ational efficiency and will act as a backup commercial air carrier runway. <br /> The r nway project will occur in three phases. This year, grading, drainage and utility work <br /> will be done, and the runway base will be constructed. Next year, the new runway will be paved <br /> and is sched led to be in use by the end of 2005. In 2006, crossing taxiway and final electrical and <br /> lighting work will be completed. <br /> Cost f the parallel runway project is approximately $16.5 million, with 90 percent of the <br /> <br /> 4 <br /> funding comi g from a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. "(This) federal grant, the <br /> largest Euge a has ever received from the federal Airport Improvement Program, will help the <br /> airport prepa a for future development, in addition to providing residents afirst-rate airport," said <br /> U.S. Assists t Secretary for Transportation Policy Emil Frankel in announcing the grant in April. <br /> The 10% loc I funding match will come from facility user fees collected from airline passengers. <br /> Publi Works • Administration • City of Eugene • 858 Pearl Street • Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX: (541) 682-6826 • www.ci.eugene.or.us <br /> <br />