Mid-field taxiway proposed at Oconee Airport

Oconee County may have found a better way to allow aircraft to exit the runway quicker and easier, but it’s going to be costly. County Council is to consider a recommendation next week to allow a Zebulon, North Carolina contractor to build a new “stub” taxi-way at the Oconee Regional Airport. For labor, materials and equipment, Rifenburg Construction is to charge $637,149.59. The federal government, through an FAA grant, is to pay 90% of the bill with state and county funds paying the rest. Currently, aircraft landing at the Oconee Airport must cover the entire runway to reach the taxiway leading to the ramp. Council is being told that ties up the runway during peak periods, while fuel is burned.