Governor Doyle Announces $4 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Dane County Airport

March 30, 2009
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

Governor Jim Doyle announced today a $4 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) award to extend Taxiway B at Dane County Regional Airport. The funding will create jobs for local residents, invest in the long-term economic growth of the region, and enhance travel safety. “With the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, instead of standing in the way of recovery, Wisconsin is leading efforts to put people to work and invest in future growth,” Governor Doyle said. “Today, here in Dane County, we are beginning the task of rebuilding America’s future one community at a time. I want to thank Kathleen Falk for her leadership in making Dane County a strong partner in these efforts.” “This exciting project not only helps put people to work, it's also a big upgrade for an airport so vitally important to Dane County's economy," County Executive Kathleen Falk said. "Our airport offers great convenience for business travelers whether they're coming or going." The $4 million award will provide much-need assistance to improve Taxiway B. The project is expected to create jobs for landscapers, pavers, asphalt plant workers, quarry workers, various sub contractors, truck drivers, flagmen, engineers, foremen, laborers, and others. The construction will build a full-length parallel taxiway that will allow aircraft and ground service vehicles to maneuver without blocking an active runway. This improvement will reduce the risk of collision, and allow planes to take-off and land more quickly. The funding will also allow ground controllers to more safely and efficiently direct aircraft on the ground. The project is expected to bid in May 2009 and begin construction in June. Most of the work will be completed this summer, and the project should be finished by December. Governor Doyle thanked the Obama Administration and Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation, especially Congressman Dave Obey and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, for their work on the recovery act. The Governor also thanked County Executive Kathleen Falk for working with his Administration to move quickly to put ARRA funds to work.