Aviation View | Volume 2, Issue 1

77 AVIATION VIEW VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1 to takeoff. The runway extension project, which added an additional 1,000 feet, took ten years of extensive planning due to the fact that South Gate Drive, the roadway leading into the university, had to be redesigned to accommodate the runway extension. Now that this project has been completed, the focus turns to the addition of new hangars, as well as a ramp expansion, along with pavement rehabilitation. With the airport being positioned in a close proximity to the Eastern Continental Divide, water runoff flows in different directions, and maintaining where the storm water goes is important. The size of VTMEA makes it difficult to be an expert in all fields, this is especially true with airport planning and engineering. Eden and Associates, along with Parrish & Partners, have helped extensively with the airport and are always just a phone call away. These firms have answered questions relating to stormwater V I RGINI A TECH MONTGOMERY EXECUT I VE A I RPORT engineering, feasibility of future projects, budgets, as well as funding, and obstruction evaluations. Holt attests, “As a whole, they make an airport director’s job much easier and smoother.” When it comes to seeking grants for projects, it’s important for airport management teams to work together. Holt shares, “Planning for grant funding is really a great way for any airport to maximize their dollars and worth. It also helps to be working with the local government and sponsoring jurisdictions in order to help solidify that you are a responsible fiscal agent, maximizing the funds, and bettering the community as a whole.” As the past President of the Virginia Airport Operators Council, Holt has a wealth of knowledge about the industry. He notes, “The industry is changing quickly. In the past this wasn’t the case, but with so many new technologies and new facets that are changing in the world, it is even changing the mindset of individuals in the industry. I think back to when barely any airports had GPS approaches. Now Aviation and Land Development Consultants E&A is a full ‐ services consulting firm providing planning, environmental, engineering, and construction management services. We strive to provide quality engineering services to our clients by combining our experience and knowledge with integrity and hard work. E&A makes it a priority to provide a high level of service while minimizing our costs to best help our clients meet their goals. 276.632.6231 | www.edenandassociates.com 1700 Kraft Drive, Suite 2350, Blacksburg, VA 24060