Officials with the Western Nebraska Regional Airport say a federal funding earmark for the facility in the new transportation bill provides money that’s vital for a project that’s been at the top of their wishlist.
Sen. Deb Fischer was able to secure $3.5 million for the airport, specifically for extension of a taxiway for the approach to runway 23.
Airport Director Raul Aguallo told KNEB News the airport authority already has the balance of the funding anticipated for the $8 million project, which he says is a key to the future of the facility. “From a safety perspective, it’s going to increase our safety tenfold,” said Aguallo. “All the airlines are going to be able to land on all runways, I’m going to be able to lift my weight restrictions on (cross-wind) runway 5-23, so it’s going to be a good thing for our airport.”
Aguallo says he’s hoping to let the project out for bid this fall with an eye toward starting construction early next year. Additional reserve funds are available in case bids come in over the engineer’s estimates due to higher material and labor costs.
He says as the favored diversion airport for Denver-bound United Airlines flights during bad weather, the Scottsbluff facility will become even busier with completion of the project.
