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Jan. 15--Building a new terminal at Culpeper Regional Airport is a goal that the tough economy is keeping on hold, say members of the airport's leadership team.
However at the Airport Advisory Committee's first meeting of the year on Wednesday, newly reelected committee chairman Bill Flathers seemed hopeful that the much desired project will come to fruition in due time thanks to strong community support.
"The good thing about this airport is regardless of the economic climate, there is a very good esprit de corps," said Flathers.
At an estimated cost of about $2 million, the new building would replace the airport's existing 40-year-old terminal.
While the current terminal is safe and functional, county officials say it's filled to capacity, leaving no room for future expansions or programs.
The county would likely receive substantial funding for the project, under state and federal programs intended to enhance transportation safety and security.
However, airport manager Tonya Woodward said it would be difficult to predict how much funding Culpeper might receive when airports around the state and the country are seeking government money.
In the meantime, Woodward said the airport plans to proceed with design work using money already set aside for the project and other funds as they become available. Woodward said the idea is to have a finished set of plans ready to go if funding materializes.
In addition to the new terminal project, the committee also discussed seeking funding to install lighting.
Extending from the existing terminal toward the new terminal site, the proposed lights would be meant to enhance airport safety, according to the committee.
