A family watches as a planes taxis to a parking spot during BessieÃÛèÖÊÓƵ DinerÃÛèÖÊÓƵ fifth annual Fly-in or Drive-in Pancake Breakfast at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville in June.
A family watches as a planes taxis to a parking spot during BessieÃÛèÖÊÓƵ DinerÃÛèÖÊÓƵ fifth annual Fly-in or Drive-in Pancake Breakfast at the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville in June.
JANESVILLE — The Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport will soon enter the first phase of a project that will update its eastern side adjacent to Highway 51.
The first phase, a part of which is being called the “East Hangar Development Project,†will cost about $2.6 million.
In early September, ground will be broken on the project that will add 16 hangars ranging in size from about 5,000 to 12,000 square feet. This will accommodate aircraft ranging from single-engine airplanes to large jet aircraft, over 13 acres at the airport. Two taxi lanes also will be added. Underground utilities also will be installed.
Airport Director Greg Cullen said planning started three years ago when a need was identified and potential space was set aside for the construction project.
Rock County owns the airport and it operates 40 hangars there. The units are available for rent.
“ItÃÛèÖÊÓƵ important because it adds to the economic benefit of the airport and community,†Cullen said, adding that the airport already brings in about $63 million annually to the local economy through fuel sold, and bringing in employees and people who fly into the airport.
The hangar construction is expected to take about 60 days to complete.
It could be finished in less time, or it could take longer depending on arrival of parts and weather, Cullen said.
A second phase of the project could start next year. Cullen hopes to include a third taxi lane in that phase.
“It depends on demand. Optimistically I’m hoping for 2024,†Cullen said.
Planning hasn’t started for the second phase. Janesville-based Rock Road Companies will handle the construction.
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