Governor Doyle approves $5,296,840 for projects at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport

August 20, 2009

Governor Jim Doyle has approved two projects totaling $5,296,840 at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, in Eau Claire.  The Governor’s action releases $1,682,421 in state funds for the projects and Eau Claire County is contributing $482,421.  The Federal Aviation Administration is providing $3,131,998.  U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl and Congressman David Obey were instrumental in securing FAA funds for the development of the projects.

According to Gayle Stearn, airport development engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, one project involves completing architectural design work needed for renovating the terminal building and relocating Taxiway “C.”  It will also expand the terminal apron in preparation for a boarding bridge. 

The second project involves reconstructing the existing parking lot, entrance road and terminal loop drive of the terminal building.  This will improve drainage and traffic flow, and will make the parking lot more compatible with recent terminal renovations.

The projects are scheduled to begin in summer 2009 and should all be completed by fall 2010.

The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is one of eight commercial service airports in Wisconsin, and the primary airport serving western Wisconsin.  Facilities at the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport include an 8,100-foot primary runway and a 5,000-foot crosswind runway.  About 60 aircraft are based at the airport, and there are over 50,000 take-offs and landings each year.

For more information, contact:
Gayle Stearn, Airport Development Engineer
(608) 266-7269, gayle.stearn@dot.wi.gov