Construction on a runway extension project at Manassas Regional Manassas Regional airport is slated to begin July 1. The airport's largest runway will be extended by 500 feet.

The existing 34R runway will grow to 6,200 feet, making it safer. 

"The extension will give pilots an extra safety margin when they are landing in inclement weather or when there's snow or ice on the runway," said Juan Rivera, airport director of Manassas Regional Airport for the City of Manassas. "Safety's what we are looking for when we do most of our projects."  

The project will also result in a slight noise reduction for areas north of the airport as planes could pass at a higher altitude, he said.

The project was made possible through grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Virginia Department of Aviation totalling $4,328,032.  

“Manassas Regional Airport’s runway expansion is a much-anticipated project, so we appreciate the grant support from the FAA and the Virginia Department of Aviation,” Rivera said.

Rivera said the extension project will allow owners to maximize the capability of their aircraft by providing the opportunity to take more fuel for coast-to-coast flights.

 An additional benefit: “This expansion will allow aircraft owners and pilots the opportunity to fly non-stop to the west coast without re-fueling halfway,” he said.

 The five-phase project is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2012 at a total cost of $4,416,359. The remaining $88,000 for the project will come from the airport fund, which is budgeted annually for capital projects.

"To get 98 percent of the project funded through grants—that's fabulous," Council Member Adrew Harrover said.

Rivera said additional phases of the project will further comply with FAA safety standards by widening runway bridges over Broad Run and repositioning the airport's 'localizer,' which helps planes land in bad weather.

“Manassas Regional Airport will now be able to accommodate aircraft which will drive new business," said  Alan Cook, chief executive officer of Metropolitan Aviation in Manassas.