ROCKY MOUNT – Major improvements are coming to the airfield at Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport, thanks to cooperation between federal, state and local governments.
“We are thrilled to have this kind of investment in economic development in our part of the state,” said Gus Tulloss, a member of the state Board of Transportation from the area. “We couldn’t have done it without the wonderful collaborative effort we have formed with our local governments and state and federal partners.”
The N.C. Board of Transportation approved more than $7.2 million to overhaul the airport’s runway and taxiways as part of a larger plan to improve and update the entire airport. The improvements will include:
- Runway pavement rehabilitation through a full-depth reclamation,
- Taxiway rehabilitation via a pavement overlay,
- Taxiway layout improvements for safer aircraft movement, and
- Improved perimeter access roads.
The project also received $6 million in federal discretionary funds and $1.4 million in local funds. The local matching funds came from Rocky Mount and Wilson, as well as Edgecombe, Nash and Wilson counties.
“These funds are helping Rocky Mount-Wilson to become a safer, more self-sufficient and more convenient airport,” said Dion Viventi, the airport’s director. “I can't overstate how important these funds are in contributing to the overall positive economic impact to our local area. By improving the runway and taxiways and eventually adding new hangars to attract more based aircraft, this helps economic marketing efforts to successfully bring new business growth into the region.”
North Carolina airports serve as a vital economic engine connecting people and business enterprises with the world. They are among the primary economic drivers in their communities. According to a recent study, Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport contributes more than $69.7 million to the state’s economy every year, produces $2.9 million in annual state and local tax revenue, and supports about 450 local jobs.