Airports Getting A Piece Of DOD Pie

The FAA Friday selected three additional airports to participate in the Military Airport Program (MAP).  They are Kalaeloa Airport, Oahu (HI); Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville (CA); and Castle Airport, Atwater (CA).

The MAP, which is funded through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP), provides financial assistance for up to five years to the civilian sponsor of military airfields being converted to, or that have been converted to, civilian or joint-use airfields.  A total of 15 airports may participate in the program, including one general aviation airport. 

"By converting military airfields to civilian use in or near major metropolitan areas the MAP enhances airport system capacity and reduces flight delays at relatively low cost," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey.

Details on the airports selected are listed below:

• Kalaeloa Airport, the former Naval Air Station Barbers Point (HI), is a reliever airport for Honolulu International.  This airport is designated for the first time for a five-year term.  Funds will be used for airfield, utility and hangar work to allow this airport to provide significant relief to Honolulu International.
• Southern California Logistics Airport, Victorville (CA), is re-designated for a two-year term to construct a fuel farm.
• Castle Airport, Atwater (CA), is the general aviation designation for the Military Airport Program and is designated for the first time for one year.  Funds will be used to improve utilities, rehabilitate hangars and improve roads.

MAP funds may be used for projects not generally funded by AIP that aid in the conversion process for civilian use. These projects include building or rehabilitating surface parking lots, fuel farms, hangars, utility systems, access roads and cargo buildings.

FMI: http://www.faa.gov/index.cfm/apa/1062