Eugene Airport’s main runway has just undergone its first renovation since 1994, and the first takeoff and landing on the new surface proved a great success.
Shannon Nill, chair of Airport Advisory Committee and Dealer at Guaranty Chevrolet, was the first pilot to land on the refurbished main runway 34L in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Co-pilot was Guaranty Founder Herb Nill. The majority of the 9.5 million in funding for the runway renovation came from the Federal Aviation Administration, with a 5% match from the Eugene Airport. Approximately 180 employees with Wildish Construction worked round the clock to complete the project.
“It’s a great day,” said Eugene Airport Director Tim Doll. “We’re reopening our main runway with brand new pavement and some of the latest advances in runway lighting and temperature monitoring equipment.” Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy was on hand for the rededication of the runway. The airport has recently seen a boost in passengers, and managers expect to see an increase in airport traffic throughout the summer months.
