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WASHINGTON -- Rep. Tom Petri reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2,327,500 grant to Wittman Regional Airport for Phase 2 of the reconstruction of the airport's Runway 9/27. Petri actively sought the funds for the airport.
Phase 1 construction is currently underway and will be wrapped up this year, at which time the runway will reopen until Phase 2 construction begins in the spring, scheduled to be completed before the annual Experimental Aircraft Association convention in late July.
A 2003 Pavement Condition Index Evaluation indicated that two-thirds of the pavement for the runway was in poor condition, with an average PCI rating of 36. The minimum service level for a runway is supposed to be 65.
Pavement repairs and maintenance for the runway, including crack filling, and partial and full depth bituminous replacement has reached the point where total reconstruction is the most viable and economic course of action to maintain the pavement, Petri said, adding that total federal funds for both phases will be $7.5 million.
"Wittman Field is important for economic growth and quality of life in the Oshkosh area, and I am pleased that we are moving forward with necessary repairs," Petri said.
Airport Director Peter Moll said that the reconstruction "will be of benefit to all the traveling public and to the EAA Airventure Oshkosh event."
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