New Fence to Surround Aiken Airport
By April Bailey, Aiken Standard, S.C.
Jul. 23–Over 18,000 feet of fencing is being installed at the Aiken Municipal Airport.
Aiken Department of Public Works Director Larry Morris said the fencing is being paid for by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for over $200,000. The fencing, which Morris says will encircle the entire airport, is being done by Hastie Fence Co., based in Agawam, Mass. Morris said the barrier is being installed to increase security at the airport, owned and operated by the City of Aiken.
The effort to strengthen security at the airport was also laid out as one of the objectives for the 2009 fiscal year in the City budget recently approved by City Council members.
Other plans City officials have for the airport include continuing to promote economic development, protecting it for future aviation and expansion, and an effort to work closely with the General Aviation Commission, the airport’s fixed base operator, and state aviation agencies to continue to improve the airport’s efficiency.
The City also plans to work more closely with community leaders and corporate interests to continue to seek funding for an Instrument Landing System for the airport, according to the 2008-09 City budget. The system would make for a safer landing at the airport in hazardous weather situations such as heavy rain, snow and fog, as it provides pilots with radio beacons to guide landings as the plane approaches the runway.
According to the budget, the airport is expected to bring in $1,691,300 in revenue this fiscal year.
Chris Nance with Central Fencing works on the airport perimeter fence.
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