Taxiway opens airport to more use - Petersburg Progress-Index

Taxiway opens airport to more use

Petersburg Progress-Index

CHESTERFIELD - U.S. Rep. J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, cut the ribbon Monday on a new taxiway at Chesterfield County Airport.

Airport Manager Tom Trudeau said that the new taxiway is a great addition to the airport. The $2 million reconstruction of an older taxiway will allow the airport to provide take-offs and landings for heavier aircraft - including aircraft that will be able to reach the West Coast.

"The old taxiway was cracking and that was creating a hazard for jet engines," Trudeau said.

The Chesterfield County Airport is a reliever airport for Richmond International Airport. Trudeau said that means the Chesterfield County Airport helps to relieve the general aviation load - smaller planes and corporate jets - from the larger commercial airport.

"We're not here to do commercial flights," Trudeau said.

The ceremony yesterday officially opened the reconstructed taxiway. Taxiway "B" serves the Northern Apron and Hangar Complex

Additionally, it was announced that the airport's Automated Weather Observation System has been connected to the national network control system, making it possible for all aircraft operators to obtain current weather conditions for their operations into Chesterfield.

"Not only were taxiway goals met, but in combination with the connection of the Automated Weather Observation System to the National Network and the construction of Northern Hangar Sites, associated parking facilities and utilities, Chesterfield's Airport is positioned for growth now and in the near future," said Charles E. Dane, deputy director for the Department of General Services, in a press release announcing the improvements. "We have come a lot closer to our goal of becoming a fully functional reliever airport for Richmond International Airport and the Premier General Aviation Airport in the Greater Richmond Area."

The airport averages 82,000 take-offs and landings annually and its operations provide an economic impact to the county of more than $16 million each year.