MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, November 21, 2003

RUNWAY 5/23 AND TAXIWAY "A" REHABILITATION AND TAXIWAY "A" (MIDDLE SECTION) EXTENSION PROJECT UPDATE

Since the start of this runway rehabilitation project on April 21, 2003, weather and other complications have severely impacted the construction schedule. As a result, the contractor fell behind early on in the construction process and never caught up to get back on schedule to complete the project before winter conditions set in. We did not want to risk being without our main runway during the winter months. Consequently, it was necessary to make the decision to halt the project and restore Runway 5/23 to operational status prior to the winter weather season.

To restore the runway to operational status, it was necessary to establish a phasing plan to meet FAA safety criteria. It was also necessary to accomplish as much work as possible so that major work will not have to be repeated when the project is re-started in spring 2004.

The remaining work to be done before opening the runway for use includes pavement wedging, electric hook up for 5/23 runway lighting, grading around the runway and taxiway safety areas and general clean up.

We are planning to open Runway 5/23 on or about Monday, November 24, 2003, weather permitting.

The contractor will continue to work to relocate the localizer antenna and associated equipment to its new location. This effort requires foundation work to be completed and scheduling work crews from the FAA, and the electric and telephone companies. Once this effort is complete we will schedule the FAA Flight Check Aircraft to test and calibrate the Instrument Landing System (ILS) for return to service. We expect this effort to be completed on or about December 31, 2003.

Meanwhile, we will be working with the contractor to develop a re-start program in the spring of 2004.

If you have any questions, please call Charlie Abell, Airport Manager at 301-846-2201.