County Executive Falk Showcases $20 million in airfield construction at Dane County Regional Airport

August 25, 2009
Sharyn Wisniewski 608 661-6485 or cell 608 712-1950

MADISON, WI – Standing in front of heavy earth moving equipment working on the edge of the airfield, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today showcased more than $20 million worth of infrastructure investment at the Dane County Regional Airport. “We’re creating jobs right now, when they are needed,” said Falk, “and we’re improving an asset that is crucial to the economy of our region.” The various contractors on the jobs, all from Wisconsin and several from Dane County, employ about 200 workers on-site. Funding for the projects comes from federal, state and airport sources. No property tax dollars are used. Nine of the 10 projects are on the airfield, building and re-constructing taxi-ways, upgrading the airfield electrical system, expanding ramp areas, constructing a new glycol retention system, and upgrading roadways. The non-airfield project revamps the airport terminal roadway which loops in front of the terminal. All of the projects are due to be completed by year-end. Significantly lower airfares at Dane County Regional Airport this year are driving up passenger traffic from the airport. Despite the economy and airline difficulties, passenger traffic is up 5 percent over last year at this time. July 2009 saw a nearly 12 percent jump in passengers over July 2008. At the same time, airline passenger fares at Dane County Regional Airport have dropped nearly 17 percent this year, the second largest decrease of fares in the nation (1st quarter 2009 compared to 1st quarter 2008 of top 100 airports).