Expanding Stillwater's airport

Monday, September 15th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Stillwater-AP) -- Despite unexpected costs, Stillwater officials say a runway expansion at the municipal airport should make up for the added expense.

A 1,400 foot runway expansion is costing about $9.5-million and should be completed by the end of the summer.

The expansion project, originally estimated at $2.5-million ran into snags after engineering crews had to remove trash from an area that was once used as a landfill.

The Federal Aviation Administration has contributed nearly $8.6-million to the project. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and Oklahoma State University have donated land and about $170,000.

The city will end up paying between 5% and 10% of the total cost.

Stillwater Mayor Bud Lacy says the expansion could bring additional air traffic to the airport.