Runway and taxilane improvements at the Door County Cherryland Airport in Sturgeon Bay are complete, and pilots are already taking advantage of the fresh surfaces.
Pointing out the new construction, and talking about some of the challenges encountered during the project, Cherryland Airport Manager Craig Ross said he’s seen planes taking off the last few days that he hasn’t seen out of their hangers in a long time. He’s also happy about the runway for the life extension it will provide on the airports supporting equipment.
During taxiway construction, significant rain created a need to re-do the base with the addition of geotextile fabric for additional support. Runway construction required more fill than construction quotes planned and priced for, leading to increased project costs.
At the July meeting of the Door County Board of Supervisors, supervisors approved the transfer of almost $150,000 from the county’s reserve fund to cover the cost overruns, and get the construction crews re-mobilized to Sturgeon Bay to finish the work. Initial cost estimates projected the construction to total $5.8 million, funded primarily by state and federal dollars. For completion, the project required an additional $485,965.42.
The project included runway and taxiway reconstruction, in addition to electrical equipment upgrades, and tree trimming and removal.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, tree removal has been taking place on both sides of Potawatomi State Park’s entrance road, in the vicinity of the park’s maintenance or service area. “Trees needed to be removed to maintain a safe path of travel for aircraft utilizing the neighboring airport’s runways. Any trees or near obstructions or encroachments that impacted the airport’s required clearing areas and aviation easements (agreements that allow the airport to use the airspace above the property) required removal.”
Per a request by the Door County Supervisors, a Department of Transportation investigation into the project’s management is underway. No updates have been provided to the County, as of October 5, according to County Administrator Ken Pabich.
