An $8 million grant will help an eastern North Carolina airport rehab its runway.
Albert J. Ellis Airport director Chris White said they’ll use the $8.4 million to resurface the runway, beginning next spring, and it’s normal to have to rehab the pavement every 10 to 12 years.
The funding is on top of $2.4 million the state legislature set aside in the budget for future hangar development, updated navigational aids, new and upgraded facilities, and more.
Last year, the State approved $29 million to lengthen the runway at OAJ, allowing for larger aircraft and longer flights.
According to a 2021 study commissioned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Albert J. Ellis Airport supports more than 3,400 jobs that create an economic impact of $565 million each year and generate about $20 million annually in local and state taxes.
