By JIM MEYER
Staff Writer
Venango County commissioners this week approved a purchase agreement for a parcel of land near Venango Regional Airport that creates an opportunity for expansion of one of the airport’s runways.
“Runway expansion has been on the radar for several years,” airport manager Bill Buchna said.
Buchna said the expansion could create opportunities to support larger, heavier aircraft and serve cargo clients.
Buchna said he wants to see a feasibility study completed to assess the need for cargo planes in the area.
“We’re not going to spend money on something where there’s not a need,” he said.
Buchna said cargo can include any kind of product that can be transported to the area and distributed to merchants and manufacturers throughout the region.
“We’re looking to be that cargo hub for this area,” he said. “We have some pretty aggressive plans for this airport in being an economic accelerator for the area.”
Another plan on the horizon is the signing of a lease that will make Venango Regional Airport the future home of the Beach City Baby, a 1942 C-53 Skytrooper plane owned by Vintage Wings Inc.
The goal is to restore the plane to be used as a flying museum, Buchna said. He expects to sign the contract with Vintage Wings on Friday.
In an effort to better serve the area, Buchna also received approval from the commissioners for the airport to enter into a mutual aid agreement with the DuBois Airport Authority.
The agreement allows for the manager of either airport to fill in for the other in case of an extended absence due to illness or other business.
