This page uses extracted PDF text. Text can misread numbers, dates or table columns. Check the PDF before quoting or interpreting it. Redacted areas remain redacted.
5 | P a g e
Commission that AIG funding, which has supported recent projects, will end after this fiscal
year. Chair Smith offered additional clarification on the timing of funding, bidding, and
construction associated with Taxiway Delta Phases 2A and 2B. Mr. Borden reported that the goal
is to combine available funding to complete as much of the project as possible during the current
cycle. He noted that FY27 and FY28 are expected to be “gap years” with few major capital
projects while the airport rebuilds its FAA entitlement funding balance following recent
expenditures and the end of AIG funding. Future projects may include improvements to the north
general aviation ramp, Taxiway J connector work, and a potential Taxiway J extension. He stated
that these projects depend on the outcomes of the Master Plan and the need to address the
runway intersection “hot spot.” Mr. Borden added that FAA entitlement funds may be carried
forward for up to four years and must be allocated by FY2031. The capital plan will continue to
be reviewed annually during the AIP planning cycle, with updates provided to the Commission
as needed.
Virginia Aviation Board. Mr. Borden reported that the airport received approval for Continuous
Friction Monitoring Equipment (CFME), which measures runway surface friction to detect
potential safety issues such as rubber buildup, deteriorating pavement, or ice accumulation. He
stated that the equipment will help identify when runway maintenance actions, such as rubber
removal or ice treatment, are needed and that the project was approved with a 90/10 funding
split. He also said that the Virginia Aviation Board is expected to vote on maintaining that
funding ratio rather than returning to the traditional 80/20 split.
Executive Director Report: Mr. Morello presented the 2025 Annual Report (see Exhibit C),
highlighting the title reflecting the airport’s strategic refocus and messages from both the
Commission Chair and the Executive Director. Mr. Morello also emphasized the Annual Report’s
focus on staff’s community engagement activities throughout calendar year 2025, plus a
workforce development section that emphasizes internal cross-training initiatives aimed at
strengthening collaboration across departments, as well as the airport’s strong focus on safety
and compliance led by Safety Manager Jeff Currence, who oversees training and regulatory
adherence. He showed how the Annual Report also advertises available AirCommerce Park land
lease opportunities as part of the overarching economic and revenue diversification theme.
Mr. Morello reported that an update on the VITA grant and a recent enhancement to it would be
provided at the next meeting. He said that this will include progress made under the security
grant, a comparison of the airport’s security capabilities before and after the improvements and
planned next steps for cybersecurity enhancements.
Mr. Morello congratulated the City of Newport News and the City Fire Department on what was
reported to be a successful groundbreaking ceremony for the future Fire Station 11 on Turnberry
Boulevard. He stated that Fire Chief Torres and Director of Operations, Rob Gay, attended the
event on behalf of the airport. Mr. Seymour stated that the airport had provided the City with a
limited license agreement allowing temporary use of a portion of the airport parking lot for the
event, with appropriate signage and an understanding that the use was at the City’s risk. Mr.
Morello expressed appreciation that the parking area was left exceptionally clean following the
ceremony.
Jump to an indexed page (6 of 6)