The city of Coolidge has received a $9.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to improve the main runway at its municipal airport.
The runway was first built in the 1940s and, according to James Myers, manager of the municipal airport, it’s very difficult to maintain without grants. The airport is used by flight schools and military training, as well as flying in celebrities for events, like the Country Thunder Music Festival.
“Some of these producers and artists, you know, they have very expensive aircraft, so they want to make sure it's either their landing and taxing on good services,” Myers said.
Plans include a new runway, lighting and an electrical upgrade. Myers said the repairs should begin in August and end next March and hopes the improvements will motivate more traffic through the airport.
