DRBA Airports Receive Federal Funding

NEWARK — U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez Oct. 24 announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a total of $157,225 for runway improvements to the Cape May and Millville Airports. Both airports are managed by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA).
Cape May will receive $68,875 and Millville will receive $88,350 to help redesign drainage systems and prevent flooding on runways, taxiways and aprons, according to a release.
“We must work to better ensure the safety of fliers,” Lautenberg said. “These improvements to the airports in Milville and Cape May will help prevent flooding, make runways more available and make those runways better prepared in case an emergency landing becomes necessary.”
Cape May Airport is a 1,000-acre general aviation facility located in Erma, approximately 5 miles from Cape May. It has two runways, six taxiways and three aircraft parking ramps, according to the DRBA Web site.
The airport logs approximately 39,000 airplane and helicopter takeoffs and landings each year, primarily during May through September, peak travel months.
Millville Airport has two runways, eight taxiways and three aircraft parking ramps.
“The modernization of our state’s airports, both big and small, helps ensure the efficiency and safety that the flying public and businesses depend upon,” Menendez said. “This funding will help keep the planes moving at Millville and Cape May, which helps reduce delays and bolster the economy.”
This round of funding follows a previous round in May when the Cape May Airport received $673,625 in FAA funding and Millville received $534,480.
That funding was used to repair and replace cracked and broken drainage lines at the Cape May Airport and for the design and permitting to remove obstructions on two runways.
The funding for Millville airport was used to rehabilitate and construct taxiways, remove 65 acres of obstructions on the airport property, correct deficiencies at the runway approach site, and allow for the design and permitting to construct the T-hangar taxiway, which will include edge lighting.
The funding is awarded from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program.
Eligible projects include those improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. Any professional services that are necessary for eligible projects — such as planning, surveying, and design — are eligible as is runway, taxiway, and apron pavement maintenance. Aviation demand at the airport must justify the projects, which must also meet federal environmental and procurement requirements.