Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif., announced Sept. 9 that Hollister Municipal Airport was awarded a $5.8 million Federal Aviation Administration grant to continue repairs to its 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,” Farr in a press release. “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, 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 re-pave 2,400 feet of the runway. The new grant will be used to completely re-pave 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 at Levi’s Stadium 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 a role in suppressing wildfire in six counties
Runway construction is expected to begin after the Super Bowl in February and should be completed in the summer. The grant will cover 90 percent of the construction cost for the new runway and the airport will provide the remaining amount.