1/11/02

Bob Lowry, 334/844-9999

CEREMONY WILL MARK RUNWAY EXTENSION AT AUBURN AIRPORT

AUBURN ­ Auburn University President William F. Walker will join local dignitaries on Friday, Jan. 18, 2002, to mark the formal opening of a new 1,332-foot runway extension at the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport in Auburn.

The 11:30 a.m., ribbon-cutting ceremony will include remarks by Mayor Bill Ham of Auburn, Mayor Barbara Patton of Opelika, Lee County Probate Judge Bill English and Walker.

The runway was extended from 3,933 feet to 5,265 feet and was widened from 75 feet to 100 feet to accommodate the airportıs growth in corporate jet activity, says airport Director William T. Hutto.

The airport is owned by Auburn University.

The runway extension project, which began in 1989, was funded by the state Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, cities of Auburn and Opelika and Lee County.

The 12-year project included acquisition of property for the runway extension and the relocation of East Glenn Avenue in Auburn.

"We anticipate the new runway will allow more companies to access the airport with their corporate aircraft, therefore making the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport a key asset in furthering and retaining economic development efforts in Auburn, Opelika and the rest of Lee County," said Hutto.

Future airport projects and goals include re-installation of navigational aids that assist in landing during adverse weather and at night, the construction of a new terminal and hangar, the installation of security fencing and other needed aviation projects.

In addition to helping economic development in Lee County, the Auburn-Opelika Airport is the home base for AU's Air Transportation Department and Flight School. AU has one of the oldest federally-approved flight training programs in the nation, dating back to the 1930s.

jan02:AU-airport

CONTACT: Hutto, 334/844-4606

(NOTE: The airport is located at 700 Airport Road in Auburn)