Congressman Sam Farr today announced a $5.8 million grant had been awarded as a second grant allocation toward fixing the Hollister Municipal Airport’s runway.
Farr’s office made the announcement about the grant and noted how the work is expected to start after next February’s Super Bowl in Santa Clara. It came after an announcement on a separate $3.1 million grant earlier this year to get the project off the ground.
According to the full announcement:
Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., announced today that Hollister Municipal Airport was awarded a $5.8 million FAA grant to continue repairs of the main runway. The airport began a major runway renovation project earlier this year and this grant will provide the funds necessary to finish the project.
“San Benito County offers a first-class travel experience and now we will have a brand new runway to smoothly welcome visitors,” said Rep. Farr. “The Hollister Airport is an important part of our local economy. Any investments we make modernizing the airport will benefit the entire region.”
Last October, Rep. Farr joined with local officials to present the airport with a $3.1 million grant to begin the runway renovation project. Those funds were used to repave 2,400 feet of the runway. The new grant will be used to completely repave the remaining 6,250 foot main runway. Sections of the current runway date back to World War II.
“We are grateful of Congressman Farr and the FAA for the continued support of the City of Hollister and the Hollister Municipal Airport runway project,” said Mike Chambless, “Hollister Airport Director. “Congressman Farr has been instrumental in assisting the Hollister Municipal Airport in the realization of its development potential.”
Due to the airport’s proximity to Pinnacles National Park, air traffic is expected to increase in the coming years as more visitors travel to the region. The airport also expects to see more flights this February during the Super Bowl held in nearby Santa Clara.
The City of Hollister owns and operates the Hollister Municipal Airport and hosts a number of airport-related businesses. The airport is also the location of the CalFire Air Attack Base, which plays an important role in suppressing wildfire in six counties.
Construction is expected to begin after the Super Bowl in February and should be completed in the summer. The grant will cover 90% of the construction cost for the new runway and the airport will provide the remaining amount.
