Flagstaff Pulliam Airport should have a runway long enough to handle commercial jets by this time next year.
The city recently won two grants that will allow it to extend the current runway by 1,800 feet, bringing it to nearly 8,800 feet in length.
Public Works Director Ben Fisk said the city won a $1.1 million grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation and a $10.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. That represents 70 percent of the estimated $15.9 million cost of the project.
The airport currently is served by turboprop planes flown by America West Express, and city officials worried they would be left without a commercial carrier when the older aircraft are eventually phased out and replaced with regional jets.
City officials also hope airlines might be coaxed into adding destinations besides Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport if they can bring in their jets.
The improvements were delayed while an environmental assessment was completed, but the FAA has now issued a green light for the project, Fisk said.
Construction is expected to being in the spring with completion by fall, 2007.
Getting the financing was a goal for airport Manager Mike Covalt, who said he now plans to retire in February.
Information from: Arizona Daily Sun, http://www.azdailysun.com/
