The Federal Aviation Administration last week awarded the state Department of Transportation Airports Division $521,875 for improvements at Lihu’e Airport. The money will be used to repave the apron area near the boarding gates, and to comply with new FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration last week awarded the state Department of Transportation Airports Division $521,875 for improvements at Lihu’e Airport.
The money will be used to repave the apron area near the boarding gates, and to comply with new FAA requirements for runway, taxiway and aircraft holding-area markings, said Marilyn Kali, DOT spokeswoman.
The design work has been completed, with the construction bid expected to be issued next month. The actual work will take around a month, beginning in August, Kali said.
The total project cost is $570,000.
The FAA award was announced by U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink (D-2nd District), who said the airport improvements are “essential to serve the needs of the people of Kaua’i.”
While Mink said the money is needed to upgrade the “deteriorating apron area” near the gates, Kali said the improvements aren’t an emergency.
“It’s routine maintenance. We have an ongoing special maintenance program to make sure the infrastructure is always in top condition,” said Kali.
The federal funds come from the FAA Airport Improvement Program.
Staff writer Paul C. Curtis can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) and mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net
