b'RUNWAYSSTJ 51month duration of the project. Then I could go up there wheneverRelocating the fuel farm is also on the docket because it something came up to help mitigate it or redesign something oncurrently sits on land the 139th Airlift Wing will eventually occupy. the fly and keep things going, he explains. The Guard is in the process of moving its base from the south side Rice emphasizes that it was important for all parties to remainof the airport to the north, gradually constructing new buildings as flexible and remember that not all changes are bad changes.federal funds become available. As part of the National Defense Everybody was on the same page, and they were just tryingAuthorization Act of 2023, money has been set aside to design to make it the best project possible, he relates. Although thea new aircraft parking ramp and a new maintenance hangar for airport experienced nearly a year of nonstop construction, stayingthe north site development. The state of Missouri also passed focused on the end result helped everyone push through thea funding bill in 2024 that will support the design of the new challenges, Rice adds.maintenance hangar. This funding represents the trust the public has in the 139th Airlift Wing, Crane comments.Looking AheadWhen the new fuel farm is built, it will include new tanks, In addition to its new runway, STJ has plans for a new terminalpumps and system upgrades. Rice reports that half of the grant building and air traffic control tower. The terminal will housefunding for the project is already secured.administration offices and a restaurant, making the airport a moreFurther ahead, the airport will have more pavement projects, attractive and functional space for visitors and tenants.apron rehabilitation and repairing an asphalt taxiway that has Additionally, preparations are underway for construction ofbeen closed since last year. a new snow removal equipment building and rehabilitation ofLike the recent runway reconstruction, these projects will be an asphalt taxiway that has degraded over time. Currently,undertaken with the future in mind. Were not just making things Operations vehicles are spread out over multiple buildings, andpretty for the sake of making them pretty, but for the overall snowplows sit outside year-round. The new storage building willfunctionality of the airport and what the future might bring with the be built near the control tower and new terminal.Guard and with general aviation, says Rice. AirportImprovement.comNovember | December 2024'