The La Crosse Municipal Airport could receive $5 million in federal transportation money for a new taxiway that would reduce the potential for collisions, officials said.
U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wisconsin, said he directed the money into the Senate appropriations bill that funds the Department of Transportation. Kohl is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and had identified the project as a priority.
The proposed full-length parallel taxiway would be built on the west side of the primary air carrier runway, Kohl said. It would enhance safety by reducing the potential of aircraft-to-aircraft or aircraft-to-ground vehicle collisions, he said.
The bill has passed the House, said Airport Director Dan Wruck. "We are thrilled with Sen. Kohl's assistance in supporting the La Crosse airport and enhancing the infrastructure and improving the safety for all users. We look forward to the bill with that language passing the Senate."
The airport plans to begin the work next spring, Wruck said.
"The La Crosse airport is a hub for business and recreational travel, generating an economic benefit for the entire community," Kohl said. "An airport that is safe and efficient is paramount to maintaining that advantage, and I'm glad my colleagues agreed that this funding is deserved."
The transportation appropriations bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
La Crosse Municipal Airport is one of eight primary commercial service airports in Wisconsin. The airport has a control tower that operates from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is serviced by three runways. In 2005, the airport recorded more than 123,000 passenger enplanements and more than 45,000 aircraft operations.
Copyright: The La Crosse Tribune -- 7/24/06
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