Accomack County is set to enhance its airport facilities with the approval of significant grant funding aimed at completing the second phase of the Runway 21 turnaround project. During a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Public Works Director Stuart Hall announced that the county has received a tentative grant award of $63,158 from the Virginia Department of Aviation, along with a substantial $1,461,100 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

This funding will support the construction of a turnaround area, also known as a jug handle, at the northern end of the runway. This improvement is crucial as it will allow aircraft to hold outside of the runway safety area before takeoff and enable them to clear the active runway without a parallel taxiway. The project, which was previously approved during the annual budget discussions, is included in the fiscal year 2026 capital budget, with a local match of $15,000 already allocated.

Hall emphasized that the total local match for the project may reach up to $15,380, but this additional cost can be managed within the airport's operating budget. The board is expected to consider accepting the Virginia Department of Aviation grant and will schedule a public hearing for the FAA grant at their next meeting on August 20, as required by Virginia law due to the grant's size exceeding 1% of the county's anticipated total expenditures.

This project not only represents a significant investment in local infrastructure but also aims to improve safety and efficiency at the Accomack County Airport, ultimately benefiting residents and travelers alike. The board's upcoming decisions will be pivotal in moving this project forward and ensuring the continued development of the county's aviation capabilities.