Earlier this fall, Phase I of the Taxiway A project at Frederick Municipal Airport (FDK) was completed. Get the rundown on the recent work to modernize FDK’s critical infrastructure below.
Overview
The project relocates Taxiway A 1800’ and reconstructs Taxiway C 600’ —moving/rebuilding approximately 2,200 feet of taxiway from 340’ to 400’ separation from the runway centerline.
Objective
The project, part of the broader Airport Improvement Plan, was initiated to modernize FDK’s taxiway system. The increased separation was needed for FDK to meet FAA airport design code for Group III aircraft, which is the prevailing traffic mix that new construction at the airport will be built to.
In addition to standardizing the runway and taxiway separation in order to meet FAA design code, the project increases the competitiveness of the airport by enhancing the safety and capacity of the taxiway network.
Timeline
- Phase 1: June 2021 – October 2021, Complete
- Phase 2: Summer 2022
Costs
$3,670,400 (Phase 1 Construction & Phase 2 Design)
The project funded through a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program Grant. FAA grants are typically structured to include local contributions (FAA 90%, State 5%, County 2.5%, City 2.5%). However, as a result of the CARES Act, this project was 100% federally funded with no local match required.
From the office at FDK
A more modern FDK makes us a more competitive, safe, and easy-to-use airport. At a broader level, improvements to Frederick Municipal Airport also contribute to a stronger national airport system. Much like the National Highway System for vehicular travel, the U.S. relies on a National Plan of Integrated Airport System to connect the country by air. Keeping our local airport up-to-date plays a major role in this national infrastructure.
Coming out of COVID and a major runway extension project, FDK is looking great. We have over 90,000 operations a year, business aviation is strong, flight training is strong, morale is great and people are loving to fly!
In the coming year we are excited to get into more community-based events and activities at the airport. Keep an eye out for the return of the 5K on the Runway next Spring! Participants will have the unique opportunity to run on one of the flattest courses around and to see the recent improvements to the facilities first hand.
Andrew Moore, FDK Airport Manager