seal  Purdue News
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May 29, 2003

Federal grant to fund airport improvements

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Airport will use a $1.2 million federal grant to upgrade safety and snow removal equipment and repair infrastructure.

Airport director Betty Stansbury said the funds from the Federal Aviation Administration will be received when bidding for the projects open on June 12.

The largest project will be the replacement of two aircraft parking aprons, including the airport ramp that serves the AmericanConnection passenger terminal. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-July.

"Passengers flying AmericanConnection will see the construction as they board or deplane their flight," Stansbury said. "But the terminal will remain useable and there shouldn't be any impact on service."

Some of the funds will purchase an infrared camera for the airport's fire truck. Stansbury said the camera will be able to detect heat, aiding in determining the location of aircraft and passengers at night and in other areas that are difficult to see. The grant also will pay for a front-end loader, 16-foot broom and a de-icer for snow and ice removal on the airport's runways and taxiways.

"This grant is will help us to maintain a safe and efficient airport," Stansbury said.

The Purdue Airport, located on the West Lafayette campus, was the first university-owned airport in the United States. AmericanConnection provides three outgoing flights daily to St. Louis and Purdue's aviation technology department uses the airport for educational activities.

CONTACT: Betty Stansbury, (765) 743-3442, bmstansbury@purdue.edu.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu


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