Groundbreaking Held for Runway Extension

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY AIRPORT COMMISSION CHAIRMAN TONY SIEMER SPEAKS AT WEDNESDAY'S GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY)

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday morning to mark the start of work on a runway extension project at Effingham County Regional Airport.

The 900-foot extension will be accompanied by an extension of the taxiway running parallel to the runway.

(EFFINGHAM COUNTY ENGINEER AND AIRPORT MANAGER GREG KOESTER)

The project was at least 10 years in the making, although County Airport Commission Chairman Tony Siemer said it has been a dream for many years. Greg Sapp spoke with Siemer about the project prior to the groundbreaking ceremony...

A number of county, city, state and federal officials were present for the groundbreaking ceremony, as well as aviation officials,

Greg spoke with Effingham County Board Chairman Josh Douthit about how the project can benefit the area...

Also speaking was County Engineer Greg Koester, who also serves as Airport Manager. Koester made a point of reflecting on the interaction between the various agencies and levels of government needed to make the project a reality.

The $5 million project is to be 90% funded by the State through the Rebuild Illinois program.

The relocation of the township road will allow the extension of the runway to the east.