Published on August 6, 2025 10:58 am
Last Updated on August 6, 2025 10:58 am
Construction work is underway on two major projects at Effingham County Regional Airport.
Airport Commission members Wednesday discussed progress on an extension of the main east-west runway. County Engineer Greg Koester said dirt work is underway on the extension.
The project calls for extending the runway to the east. Some of the existing east end will be removed, then the extension will be constructed to match up the extension with the existing strip. As the work continues, the east-west runway will be reduced in length to 4,500 feet. When the work is completed, though, the finished strip will be 6,000 feet long.
Koester said substantial completion is expected by Thanksgiving. The hope is that once winter weather breaks, all things will be back to normal by April 2026.
As for the hangar building, 10 new hangars will be included, as well as a small break room for pilots.
Airport Commission Chairman Tony Siemer indicated that hangar rental fees will increase to $250/month.
Also Wednesday, airport commissioners heard that aviation fuel revenue should offset any lost income from jet traffic, which will be unavailable for about six weeks during the construction project. Also, tree removal around the airport perimeter to clear takeoff and landing zones should be completed by the end of the month.
