For the first time in more than 30 years, Dane County has taken steps to develop a comprehensive new master plan for Dane County Regional Airport.
The Dane County Board Tuesday approved a $5.8 million contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson, a civil engineering firm, to develop a plan to extend Runway 3/21, expand the north terminal, and improve parking and roadways, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal.
The action follows federal approval of a noise mitigation plan for the airport that could include land purchases near the airport and sound insulation for neighboring properties.
Extending Runway 3/21 to the northeast, which would allow larger commercial aircraft to use it, could reduce noise in residential areas south of the airport, according to Mark Papko, executive director of the airport.
Most of the $5.8 million cost would be covered by federal FAA grants.
