$5.9m Del. Airpark Improvements to Benefit DSU Aviation

DSU Aviation Program students will have a safer environment for their flight training as the result of a $5.9 million federal grant for improvements to the Delaware Airpark.

Delaware U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons announce the funding alongside DSU President Harry L. Williams, Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Airport Administrator Stephen Williams,

alumni of DSU’s Aviation Program who are now working in the aviation industry, along with other officials.

The overall project will provide for a runway, taxiway and apron system, capacity for adequate runway length, and airport expansion to meet the current and anticipated demand. 

In addition to serving the general aviation needs of central Delaware and the capital city of Dover, the Delaware Airpark is home to DSU’s Aviation Program. As the Airpark’s primary user, DSU bases its flight training and maintains its fleet of aircraft at the facility.

President Williams said about 75 current professional pilot students and those who follow them will have a safer airport environment in which to earn their flying certifications.

“Our DSU aviation students will benefit greatly from the improvements, especially the longer runway that will eliminate a power line obstacle they have to currently deal with in landing and taking off,” the DSU president said. “As the University continues to produce professional pilots whose proficiencies have resulted in a 100% hiring rate, DSU, the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Delaware Congressional delegation and the federal government can all share in the credit for helping in its success.”

David Harding, a 1995 graduate of the DSU Aviation Program who now flies for the United Parcel Service, spoke at the event and told the DSU Aviation students in attendance that the safer environment will help them in their training. "The assistance  (of the funding) and the improvements are what you are going springboard on to achieve your flying aspirations," he said.

Sen. Carper said an improved Delaware Airpark will be impactful in Central Delaware.

“The general aviation industry contributes more than $150 billion annually to our economy and employs more than 1.2 million people throughout the country,” Sen. Carper said. “This grant award will help the Delaware Airpark expand and attract new clients to the area, and hopefully businesses in the surrounding area will also reap these benefits.”

Sen. Coons said that the great is great news for the Delaware Airpark, the DRBA and the many pilots who use this airport on a daily basis.

“The improvements that will be made on the runway and other aspects of the airport will improve pilot safety for years to come,” Sen. Coons said. “This project is also about updating our nation’s infrastructure. When we think about infrastructure, we think roads and bridges, but here we have a great example of what we can achieve when we invest in our airports as well.”

Mr. S. Williams, the DRBA administrator, said the project could not have been possible with the instrumental support of the FAA and Delaware’s Congressional delegation. “This important aviation infrastructure project illustrates Delaware’s ongoing commitment to the aviation business sector.”