Story Created:
Jun 2, 2008 at 5:17 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 2, 2008 at 9:49 PM CST
Wichita Falls- Wichita Falls city council are set to vote on improvements to Kickapoo Downtown Airport at tomorrow.
The bids are rolling in and officials say they're coming in lower than the original estimate. Kickapoo Downtown Airport has seen vast improvements over the years, and it's not done yet.
"We have years of desired planned improvements at both Kickapoo and Municipal airport," Airport Administrator Monica Morris said.
Kickapoo airport received a one million dollar grant from the FAA this year. The city is required to add five percent to that; giving the airport an extra $52 thousand. The money will help pay for three projects. The first is to light the only full-size runway at the airport. It is now marked by reflecters. Second, they will install more security fencing around the airport. Officials hope to one day have the entire property enclosed.
"It also helps us with wildlife. You know, deer on the runway...dogs on the runway, are not a safe thing. So it provides a security but also a fencing determent to wildlife," Morris said.
Third, the airport will construct a second connector from one of the taxiways to the row of hangers.
"We've got one little bottle neck and if we've got one aircraft pulled and another one ready to go... one could be blocking the other one in and so it will kinda help us get rid of that bottle neck," Morris said.
The projects are scheduled to start late this month. With all completed by the beginning of next year. Even with big construction plans, Morris says there's no need for businesses or residents to be concerned.
"We'll probably disrupt our tenants a little but hopefully it should, you know, obviously won't be visible to the public," Morris said.
