WITTMAN REGIONAL AIRPORT SECURES FEDERAL GRANT SUPPORT FOR TAXIWAY “A” RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

(Oshkosh, WI) – On Monday, September 23rd, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $7,521,894 in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Discretionary grant funding to Wittman Regional Airport for a major taxiway reconstruction project. This grant funding is being administered through the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics (BOA) state block grant program, with matching funds of $525,000 provided by the BOA and $525,000 by Winnebago County, the airport’s sponsor.

The funding will be utilized to reconstruct major portions of Taxiway Alpha (A), the Airport’s primary north/south taxiway and the full parallel taxiway to Runway 18-36 on the field. The reconstruction and widening project is vital to the long- term viability of the airfield, as the existing pavement was primarily constructed in 1967. Also included in this project are: upgraded airfield lighting and signage, improved drainage systems, and taxiway widening all of which will provide enhanced safety for use of the taxiway. Taxiway A is heavily utilized year round, and is unique in that it operates as a third runway during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This adaptation allows Wittman Regional Airport to operate three non- intersecting runways, providing for arrival and departure rates that are critical to the safety and success of the event.

Glenn Grothman, U.S Representative for Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District stated, “I am elated that the Federal Aviation Administration will be giving a grant to the Wittman Regional Airport. This grant is not only vital for Winnebago County, but for people worldwide due to their annual EAA Airventure Fly-in. Not as well-known is the number of planes who fly here weekly, serving as a major hub for traffic for Oshkosh and surrounding areas. This investment will also be vital in training our next generation of pilots.”

Construction on the yearlong project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2020.

For further information on this project or other items related to Wittman Regional Airport, please contact Jim Schell, Airport Director at 920-236-4932.