During our long-term relationship with the Virginia Highlands Airport Authority, we have helped the Airport grow from a small general aviation airport with a few dozen airplanes, to a large facility with over 50 airplanes including corporate jets. In 2008, the Authority approached Delta for assistance with extending their runway to accommodate the growing corporate jet demand.
Delta has managed all phases of the runway extension project from the existing length of 4,471 feet to a future length of 5,500 feet. The initial steps included developing the justification to get FAA and Virginia Department of Aviation buy-in on the project’s purpose and need. Delta then completed the airport planning and environmental assessment necessary as first steps in all airport projects.
In order to move this project from a plan to a reality, Delta assisted the Authority with developing a creative funding program that combined funds from multiple sources to maximize governmental grants while reducing the local cost burden.
Delta’s knowledge of the various funding programs and ability to put together the applications and presentations for the funding agencies helped the Authority secure the funding commitments necessary to undertake the multi-million dollar runway extension project.
Delta has completed the planning, environmental, land acquisition, and engineering design projects for the runway extension, with the construction phases now underway. The project is phased to maximize federal and state grants, and minimize costs to the Authority. Completion of the runway extension is planned in the next few years.