Airport Improvement Program Funds Will Complete Runway 5/23 Safety Upgrade, Extension

Akron-Canton Airport (KCAK) and leaders from throughout the region welcomed FAA Administrator  Randy Babbitt  to the airport Monday. The administrator made a special trip to the airport to deliver a $16.625 million check to Airport Trustees and President and CEO Rick McQueen, to complete the vital runway 5/23 safety upgrade and extension project. When finished, runway 5/23 will be 8,200 feet long with ILS landing systems at both ends.

Northeast Ohio elected officials including Congressmen John Boccieri, Tim Ryan and Steve LaTourette and Congresswoman Betty Sutton worked hard to ensure the timely disbursement of funds to kick off the construction season as early as possible this year. Congressmen Boccieri and Ryan were on hand to welcome Mr. Babbitt and celebrate the occasion.

"It is an honor to welcome Administrator Babbitt to CAK so we can personally thank him for years of FAA support," said Rick McQueen, president and CEO. "As the centerpiece of our CAK 2018 capital improvement plan, this runway project is absolutely vital to the future of our airport and the community. Once this work is finished, we will have our dream airfield, allowing our airline partners to fly anywhere in the domestic U.S. and most of North America."

"The Airport Improvement Program funds quality projects that help our nation's airports maintain safe and efficient operations," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "Keeping air travelers safe is the FAA's top priority. The runway project at Akron-Canton Airport is another example of that commitment."

Randy Babbitt

"I am pleased Administrator Babbitt agrees Akron-Canton Airport should be first in line to receive critical funds that will not only enhance safety and service but also contribute to our region's economic development," said Congressman Boccieri. "Expanding the runway will create as many as 60 jobs that cannot be outsourced and helps larger jets access the airport. Akron-Canton Airport serves as a critical economic engine for our part of Ohio, and I'm pleased we were able to secure timely funding for this project."

"I applaud the Federal Aviation Administration for making this important investment in the Akron-Canton Airport," stated Congressman Ryan. "The construction of this runway will create up to 60 jobs, and that will circulate needed dollars into our regional economy - while providing expanded aircraft access that will continue to strengthen CAK's position in the public, private, and commercial aviation industries."

FMI: www.faa.gov