Published on September 3, 2025 11:00 am
Last Updated on September 3, 2025 11:00 am
Work is progressing on the east-west runway extension project at Effingham County Regional Airport. Work on a new hangar building is not going as quickly as had been hoped.
Half of the earthwork on the runway extension is completed. The plan is to pave the entire length from the old end of the runway and to the east. The representative of Hanson Engineers said that the paving might affect when the closing of the strip will occur. Also, the drainage pipes are in place. A parallel taxiway is also part of the project. The taxiway construction is to start up once the runway is completed.
As for the hangar building, the earthwork and stabilization is moving ahead and floors could be poured next week. The building itself is going to take some more time. Airport Manager Jerry Tate said he had hoped for as soon as this fall for the structure, but now the project could take until January, and Airport Commission member Ken Wohltman said that date is “at best”.
County Engineer Greg Koester said his budgeting will have to be revised as far as anticipated income from the building.
In the meantime, 700 feet of former taxiway has been taken out. Koester said a crack in the primary runway needs addressed, hopefully while the strip is closed for the construction project.
Wohltman also said there are cracks needing sealed and the Hanson representative it is part of regular maintenance. They will again request State approval for the maintenance. Meanwhile, the Commission approved a professional agreement with Hanson on the work underway.
Tate reported that the current hangar building is full, but fuel flow is way down and he is having to turn some jets away, which was anticipated when the construction project began.
Commissioners also heard from a crop duster looking for space to house at least one plane.
