“There is a growing demand for business aviation in north central Wisconsin and our airports need to improve their facilities and service to keep up with that demand,” said Obey, the Chairman of the  House Appropriation Committee.   â€œBetter transportation links means more job opportunities, so I am happy to have been able to secure funds to help improve Taylor County Airport and hopefully promote economic growth in our community, and I'm glad to be here today to help officially kick off this project.”

The federal funds that Obey secured are intended to help the airport begin a multi-phase improvement project to allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and improve safety and security.   The first phase of construction will segregate the two runways, construct a parallel taxiway, extend Runway 16/34 (the north-south runway) to 4,400 feet, and prepare the main runway – Runway 9/27, the east-west runway – for its eventual extension to 6,000 feet.

Future phases will extend runway 9/27, install a perimeter fence, install an Approach Lighting System and Instrument Landing System, and develop the hangar area.  Long-term plans also call for construction of a new terminal building to keep up with demand from local businesses. 

Frequent business users of the airport include major employers Weathershield Manufacturing and Hurd Millwork, who rely on the airport for efficient transportation of customers and employees.

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