Runway improvements and airport layout updates are among the infrastructure projects that received a total of $13.6 million in federal funding awarded to six Maine airports in the latest round of the Federal Aviation Administration’s airport improvement program.
The program provides grants to public agencies — and, in some cases, to private owners and entities — for the planning and development of public-use airports. Airports are entitled to a certain amount of funding each year, based on passenger volume.
Runway
Millinocket Municipal Airport (MLT) received $6.8 million to reconstruct 3,200 feet of the main runway to maintain pavement integrity and minimize foreign object debris. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2027, according to New Hampshire civil engineering firm Hoyle Tanner, a lead project contractor.
Apron pavement
Reconstruction of apron pavement are the focus of projects at Knox County Regional Airport (RKD) and Portland International Jetport (PWM).
Knox County Regional Airport received $3.6 million to rehabilitate and reconstruct portions of the main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. Owned and operated by Knox County and located in Owls Head, the airport has 10,000 annual passenger enplanements and serves as a vital transportation hub for the midcoast region, according to the airport’s 2025 master plan update, led by Stantec Consulting Services.
Portland International Jetport (PWM) received $2.6 million to design and reconstruct 17,600 square yards of terminal apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
The project is part of $10.8 million in upgrades at Maine’s largest airport, with the overall goal of replacing 70,000 square feet of 20-inch-thick concrete apron that’s more than 25 years old, along with a second phase of expanding the long-term hold area and de-icing pad. The expansion will add 60,000 square feet and create a fourth aircraft position.
Airport Director Paul Bradbury told Mainebiz last month that construction is scheduled to wrap up on Nov. 23. Shaw Brothers Construction in Gorham is the contractor.
Wiscasset Municipal Airport (IWI) will use $468,816 to reconstruct 4,100 square yards of main apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
Layout, future development
Oxford County Regional Airport (81B) received $53,000 to update the existing airport layout plan.
Presque Isle International Airport (PQI) will use $42,750 to acquire two acres of land for future development.
Some airport improvements are long overdue, said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Collins is up for reelection in November.
