A ribbon-cutting ceremony in the city of Moberly to commemorate the inauguration of the new runway at Omar N Bradley Airport was held recently. The renovation project involved a complete replacement of the airport’s main runway, which was converted from asphalt to concrete. The airfield’s lighting system was also renovated, with LEDs on the runway being upgraded. The project cost around US$6.4 million in total. Grants administered by the Missouri Department of Transportation‘s aviation branch helped pay some of the development.
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Funding for the Omar Bradley airport New Runway
Tom Sanders, the public works director for the City of Moberly, noted that the Missouri Department of Transportation offers numerous sorts of funding for general aviation facilities. “[The CIP] evaluates runway infrastructure, and our previous runway received a score of 53 out of 100. As a result, we stepped up and were able to get [MoDOT] money “He said. However, he stated that there are several airports bidding for such incentives. “So we had to demonstrate that requirement and have it coded,” Sanders explained. The airport has a capital improvement plan (CIP) that includes all of the Omar Bradley airport’s requirements and evaluations.
According to Chris Flageolle, an aircraft construction services manager, whereas local money generally accounts for 10% of total funding, this figure has dropped to 0% as a result of COVID relief funds and the CARES Act. “The timing of the CARES Act early occurred in the final, say, 11th hour of the project itself,” Flageolle explained. “The CARES Act for that specific band had an impact that extended beyond this run. And I believe that’s also a beautiful thing.” Sanders feels that the new runway will be beneficial to the airport for many years to come.
“We’ve already got requests for additional hangers,” Sanders added. “Hopefully, as a result of it, more individuals will transition and move their aircraft here.” This project has spurred future airport redevelopment proposals, such as an expansion in the facility’s turbine engine operations.
