Bright, But Uncertain Future for NEK Airport

Runway Improvements Complete at NEK Airport, More Projects Planned for Future

Improvements for another Vermont airport.  A runway extension in Coventry could increase economic development in the Northeast Kingdom.  But while the future looks bright, there is some uncertainty.

“We’ve got the first couple rungs to this really tall ladder, and it's exciting to me, because it's one of the biggest rungs,” said Guy Rouelle, Vermont’s Aviation Administrator. That first rung, adding a thousand feet onto the runway to the newly named Northeast Kingdom International Airport.

Paul Monette, Mayor of Newport, says the $9 million dollar project is an example of the Kingdom's tenacity to get things done. “This just shows what the local will and the power of local people to help an area grow,” said Monette.

Most of the project was funded by a grant from the FAA. The extended runway will help draw more cargo planes, and possibly passenger service to the airport, in hopes of boost the Kingdom's slow-moving economy.

Vermont’s Aviation Administrator Guy Rouelle says the improvements are about safety. “With 5,300 feet, it opens the door for more successful takeoffs and also landings,” said Rouelle.

Bill Stenger, President of Jay Peak, supports the runway extension, he has a vision for the Kingdom. He's part owner of Qburke and says recent worksite issues at the new Burke Mountain hotel, funded through the EB-5 program, which allows foreign individuals to invest in projects in return for a green card, won't affect the future of the airport.  “Incremental, small things that we had to overcome at Burke has nothing to do with this project.  We have a great future here,” said Stenger.

According to Stenger, that future holds a new terminal for the airport, funded by private investors. Stenger estimates the project to cost between $3 and 5 Million. Rouelle hopes that's true, “I am cautiously optimistic that these project will drive on, we've come this far. I know how hard they're working on securing the funds whether its private funds, or it's through the EB-5 program,” Rouelle stated.

Stenger says he doesn't want funding for the new terminal building to be EB-5 related, and says he's in the process of finding investors for the terminal. He expects construction to start next spring.

http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/bright-but-uncertain-future-for-nek-airport

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