The Stafford Regional Airport plans to begin construction on a 1,000-foot extension to its already existing 5,000-foot by 100-foot paved runway in early or mid-September.
This project has been in the works since 2007, and the Stafford Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) opened bids for a contract on June 9. The winning bidder was Fredericksburg based Henderson Construction Company, which made a bid of just over $3.4 million for the project.
After the bid was accepted, the airport filed an application for a grant with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with a deadline for submission of June 15. That airport met the deadline and the authority was informed by the FAA that they would receive a grant budget of $5.7 million.
The airport obtained permits from both the FAA and the Virginia Department of Aviation that cost $1.3 million and $112,000, respectively for this extension. The SRAA spent $28,000 on the design of the extension.
The airport also had to get mitigation credits due to nearby wetlands and streams that could be affected by the construction. Two credits were purchased from local wetland and stream mitigation banks for $221,100, valued at $110,000 per credit.
The airport also spent $369,000 on mitigation for stream impacts that will be purchased through the Nature Conservancy Trust Fund.
SRAA member Hank Scharpenberg has been on the board since 2007 and was a huge force in pushing for this runway extension.
“By having this extension we can attract different planes to the airport, specifically more business flights that could base their planes here in Stafford which means more revenue for the airport in terms of hanger fees and fuel sales. This would also mean more tax revenue for Stafford County and the possibility to attract more businesses to the area,” Sharpenberg said.
“The reason why we can’t bring them here without the extension is insurance concerns from those who own the planes. The insurance write-ups have language dictates how much fuel those planes can have in their tanks based on the length of the runway. The longer the runway the more likely those planes can fly out of here with full tanks to fly cross-country or across the Atlantic.
This could potentially lead to more services down the road such as commuter flights and having our own onsite emergency fire squad.”
Recent Stories
On Sunday afternoon, nearly 100 people gathered in a Taco Bell parking lot less than a mile from the clinic’s doors with a shared aim: taking ownership of its now-precarious future.
The project to widen Balls Ford Road between Doane Drive and Ashton Avenue to a four-lane, divided roadway is now officially complete. The county’s Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the parking lot of the General Shale Brick Company last week.
Another round of weather challenges is in store today as a robust cold front approaches. The front will bring gusty winds and low relative humidity.
Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., for the dedication of the Town of Occoquan’s LOVEworks sign in River Mill Park (415 Mill Street, Occoquan), designed by artist Darby Leondra. This event is free and open to the public.
To celebrate Air Quality Awareness Week (May 6-10, 2024), Clean Air Partners is working with A Few Cool Hardware Stores to exchange DC, Maryland and Virginia residents’ gas-powered lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers at select Ace Hardware locations in the region. DMV residents who turn in their gas-powered lawn tools will receive a FREE Ego Power+ replacement including batteries and chargers, while supplies last.
Compared to gas, electric lawn equipment can reduce emissions, noise pollution, health risks and maintenance costs and time. The program aims to remove about a hundred gas-powered polluting tools from yards in the greater Baltimore-Washington region.
The exchanges will take place the weekends of May 17-19, 2024, and May 31-June 2, 2024, at A Few Cool Hardware Stores network of employee-owned Ace Hardware stores in the DC and Baltimore metro areas. To participate and get your free Ego Power+ lawn tool, sign up at https://qrco.de/CAPExchange to reserve your tool and select your trade-in date and location.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Do stress and anxiety seem to dominate your thoughts? At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that navigating mental health can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our team of compassionate therapists is here to guide you on your journey toward inner peace and emotional well-being. With a client-centered approach, we tailor our therapy sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with depression, coping with trauma, or simply seeking personal growth, we provide a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.
Embark on a path of self-discovery with our comprehensive range of therapy services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and holistic approaches. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you cultivate resilience, develop coping skills, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness.
Free Irish Music Concert
Welcoming Spring with music from the Emerald Isle, the New Dominion Choraliers offer a FREE concert on Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Presbyterian Church of Dale City.
Joined by Legacy Brass and members of Old
Spring Ceili: An Irish Music Festival
The New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County and McGrath Morgan Academy of Irish Dance invite you to join them at our Ceili, a grand celebration of Irish music and dance.
A gathering of performance groups throughout Prince William County
