Airport project to begin in Greene County
WAYNESBURG — More than eight years ago, the Greene County commissioners began discussions to further develop the airport along Route 21, and it now appears the most significant project related to the overall development is about to take place.
Commissioners Blair Zimmerman and Archie Trader said following the board’s regular meeting Thursday that construction of the four-way intersection where Murtha Drive crosses Route 21 will begin with the new construction season this spring.
Zimmerman said the project also will include a new traffic light scheme.
“I think I was in high school when this project was first unveiled,” Zimmerman quipped.
Trader, meanwhile, previously expressed frustration how slow government moves. “Sometimes it is difficult to accept,” he said, referring to the time it has taken to acquire permits related to the airport project.
But Zimmerman said all the permits are in place for the intersection construction, and he also said the funding sources are in place, too. “We have received more than $2.5 million in grant money, singling out Delta Development, which has handled the funding for the project. “They have taken the position of minimizing county funding and maximizing grants,” he said.
Zimmerman also said plans for the new parallel road and new parking lot are expected to be bid this spring, too.
Earlier, four old hangars at the west end of the airport were removed to open up a roughly six-acre tract for commercial development and the construction of a new hangar. Several years ago, the commissioners entered into an agreement with Burns Scalo Real Estate Services of Pittsburgh to promote the six acres for private development for the airport business park that will include restaurants and hotels.
In other business Thursday, Commissioner Dave Coder was appointed to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and to the Regional Policy Advisory Committee of SPC.
Also, Bill Cree III was appointed chairman of the Greene County Farmland Preservation board of directors.
The commissioners also announced the department of recreation will be accepting current applications for the recreation grants until March 1.