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9/7/2010
Smith Field Airport Receives Funding for the Rehabilitation of Runway 5/23
FORT WAYNE, IN - September 6, 2010 - The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) has received Federal funding for the Runway 5/23 Rehabilitation project at Smith Field Airport (SMD). The project is federally funded by the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) with a combintation of entitlement and discretionary funds totaling $1,071,618. The project will include pavement removal and replacement as well as milling and overlaying Runway 5/23. The project work was awarded to Wayne Asphalt & Construction Company, Inc. through a competitive bidding process. "Runway 5/23 is our primary runway at Smith Field Airport and we are excited about this needed improvement," stated Torrance Richardson, Executive Director of Airports. "We expect to start the project this month and anticipate completion sometime around the end of November." The two landing strips at SMD, Runway 5/23 and Runway 13/31 do intersect with each other. However, with the exception of a couple of hours when the contractor paints the runway centerline, Runway 13/31 will be open and available for airfield users throughout the construction project.

7/14/2010
FWA Receives Grant to Fund the Northwest Perimeter Road Construction
FORT WAYNE, IN - July 14, 2010 - The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) received a grant in the amount of $4,477,498 for the entire Northwest Perimeter Road project. This amount includes the $2,691,726 previously announced by Senator Richard Lugar and is now enough to fund the entire project. "We look forward to this project starting and completing yet this year. Construction on the project should begin in early August and wrap up by year end," said Scott Hinderman, Director of Operations & Facilities for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. The total cost of construction will be approximately $4,713,156. The grant will provide federal funding to cover 95% of the total construction costs. The remaining project costs will be funded from a state grant and airport authority contributions. The project includes reconstruction of portions of the existing Northwest Perimeter Road along the west side of Runway 14-32. It also includes an extension and realignment of the road to the north, adjacent to Airport Expressway, and along the east side of Runway 14-32 and Taxiway Y. In addition, this work will also include reconnection of the Runway 14-32 Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) and Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs). The project will also include improvements to grading and drainage infrastructure that will redirect watershed from draining to adjacent properties on the northwest corner of the airfield. This work is being coordinated with the Allen County Surveyors Office.

6/22/2010
Public Meeting on Airport Master Plan for FWA
FORT WAYNE, IN - June 22, 2010 - The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) is hosting an informational meeting and public workshop at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the Allen County Public Library located downtown at 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. FWACAA initiated a new Master Plan Study at Fort Wayne International Airport in the fall of 2009. Master Plans are prepared to detail the specific long-range plans of the airport within the framework of statewide and regional/metropolitan plans. These plans identify the development needs of the airport on the basis of forecasts of aviation activity, the potential environmental effects, community compatibility, and financial feasibility. Airport master planning seeks to determine operational need and programming development for a 20-year time period. This community meeting will discuss the process and goals identified for the on-going development of the Fort Wayne International Airport Master Plan. The Airport Master Plan focuses on identifying needs associated with the Airport to ensure sufficient capacity and facilities exist in order to direct economic growth and support aviation activity well into 2030. "The Authority is using meetings like this to share the planning efforts and is excited to hear feedback and input from the citizens of the Fort Wayne region," stated Scott Hinderman, Director of Operations and Facilities for FWACAA. The Airport Authority encourages the public to attend and ask questions one-on-one with Airport Authority personnel and its consultant, RW Armstrong. This is the public's opportunity to be activity involved in the development of the Airport Master Plan for the Fort Wayne International Airport. The meeting format includes a brief 30-minute overview presentation at 5:30 p.m. followed by a workshop setting with four manned work stations set up for public interaction, including a question and answer period. The meeting will conclude at 7:00 p.m.

5/24/2010
Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting
FORT WAYNE, IN - May 24, 2010 - Today the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. "Each year the requirements for financial reporting change and our Accounting Department has managed to stay on top of these changes and produce an outstanding Comprehensive Annual Financial Report," stated Tory Richardson, Executive Director of Airports. "Since 1989, this is our 20th consecutive year our accounting department has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting." This award is for the significant accomplishment of completing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. A copy of the 2008 CAFR is available for download on the Airport Authority website at www.fwairport.com. The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C.

5/24/2010
Long Drive Contest Celebrating Myrtle Beach Service, Wednesday, May 26th at FWA
FORT WAYNE, IN - May 24, 2010 - The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is pleased to announce that in further celebration of non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the Airport Authority along with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce will host an attempt to break the world record for the "longest golf drive" on Wednesday, May 26th at FWA. The event will be open to the public from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the ramp at the Air Trade Center located at the corner of Coverdale Road and International Drive. Participants will not only be able to hit their own longest drive, but register to win a number of prizes, including roundtrip airfare to Myrtle Beach provided by Allegiant Airlines, a travel golf bag courtesy of Bobicks, and rounds of golf from Brookwood Golf Club. Distances will be determined using the services of Anderson Surveying Inc., with trophies being given to the longest drive by a male and female participant. For further information, go to www.flyfwa.com.

5/5/2010
Fort Wayne International Airport Will Conduct Mock Disaster on Saturday, May 8, 2010
FORT WAYNE, IN - May 5, 2010 - On Saturday morning, May 8, 2010, the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority will be conducting a Mock Disaster at the Fort Wayne International Airport. Every three years the Airport Authority practices its Airport Emergency Plan by planning and executing a Mock Disaster for training purposes. This exercise test the capabilities of our staff as well as other emergency responding agencies that provide mutual aid. The Airport Authority's Public Safety Department is coordinating the scenario for the Mock Disaster. This coordination includes other emergency personnel from various fire and police departments as well as the local hospitals. "The Mock Disaster provides an opportunity for emergency response units to test their emergency plans in relation to a major incident," stated Scott Hinderman, Director of Operations and Facilities. This year we have several community groups who will be volunteering in the disaster as "victims." The volunteers play a key role in making the disaster as authentic as possible so emergency personnel may assess the situation and respond as necessary. In addition to the volunteers, multiple emergency response units from the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County will be participating. We expect to have in excess of 200 people including volunteers as well as emergency responders participating in the Mock Disaster.

4/29/2010
Allegiant Air Begins Myrtle Beach Service on Friday, April 30th at FWA
FORT WAYNE, IN - April 29, 2010 - The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority is pleased to announce the launch of new non-stop service on Allegiant Air between Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) and Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, starting Friday, April 30, 2010. Allegiant Air will operate two (2) flights per week, departing FWA on Mondays and Fridays at 4:40 p.m. and arriving at MYR at 6:30 p.m. Return service from MYR will depart at 2:10 p.m. and arrive into FWA at 4:00 p.m. "We welcome this new service to the golf capital of the United States, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina," stated Tory Richardson, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. "The region's travelers now have the opportunity to enjoy yet another non-stop low-fare destination from Fort Wayne. Because of the low fares Allegiant offers, flights have been booking fast, so if you're looking for a new beach or golf destination, don't wait to book your trip!" For flight availability and fares, contact Allegiant Air at 702.505.8888 or visit their website, www.allegiantair.com. In further celebration of non-stop flights to premiere golf destination, Myrtle Beach, the Airport Authority along with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce will host an attempt to break the world record for the "longest golf drive" on Wednesday, May 26th at FWA. This event will be open to the public. Participants will not only be able to hit their own longest drive, but register to win a number of prizes, including roundtrip airfare to Myrtle Beach provided by Allegiant Airlines. For further information, go to www.flyfwa.com.

2/3/2010
Indiana Department of Health Will Be Offering Free H1N1 Flu Vaccination Shots at FWA
FORT WAYNE, IN - February 3, 2010 - Beginning Monday, February 9, 2010, the Indiana Department of Health in collaboration with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Department will be offering free H1N1 flu vaccination shots to airport staff, patrons and the general public for anyone over the age of six (6) months. The vaccinations will be given from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., February 9th to 12th, at the Fort Wayne International Airport located at 3801 West Ferguson Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809. The vaccinations will take place in the Business Center Room located at the east end of the terminal building near baggage claim. Parking will be available in either short or long term parking with validations of parking being provided to participants. "The Airport Authority is happy to be able to offer the Fort Wayne International Airport as a site for the distribution of H1N1 flu vaccinations to the public" stated Scott Hinderman, A.A.E., Director of Operations and Facilities. "Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community," says Allen County Health Commissioner Deborah McMahan, M.D."

2/1/2010
Airport Announces New Delta Air Lines Non-Stop Service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Fort Wayne, IN
FORT WAYNE, IN - February 1, 2010 - Authorities at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) are pleased to announce Delta Air Lines' plan to add new seasonal daily non-stop service between Fort Wayne and Delta's hub at Minneapolis/St. Paul beginning April 6, 2010. "This new service represents a huge victory for the residents of our region. In addition to providing an excellent routing option for travel to the western United States, this opens up additional one-stop destinations to the west from Fort Wayne, including destinations in the Orient," explains Tory Richardson, Executive Director of Airports for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. Delta Connection partner Pinnacle Airlines will operate the new service using 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft. Delta flight 854 will depart Minneapolis/St. Paul at 7:20 p.m. and arrive in Fort Wayne at 9:55 p.m. Delta flight 931 will depart Fort Wayne at 6:50 p.m. and arrive in Minneapolis/St. Paul at 7:35 p.m. "We welcome this new seasonal service to Minneapolis and believe Delta will be able to take advantage of our historically strong business and leisure travel seasons here at Fort Wayne International Airport," explained Dave Young, VP of Air Service Development for the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. The new flights between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Fort Wayne are available for booking at www.delta.com, through travel agencies or by calling Delta Air Lines Reservations at 1-800-221-1212.

1/18/2010
Fort Wayne Airports Significantly Contribute to the Economic Impact on the Region
FORT WAYNE, IN - January 18, 2010 - The most recent Economic Impact Report for Indiana Airports shows Fort Wayne Airports contribute over $370M to the Fort Wayne-Allen County community on an annual basis. Fort Wayne International Airport and Smith Field Airport contributed $367,580,260 and $6,685,731, respectively. The report, which is based on 2007 numbers, shows the airports in the State provide a total annual economic impact of more than $5.2 billion. Indiana airports employ more than 17,000 people. "These numbers reflect the Airport Authority's commitment to its airports and the role they play in the community," said Tory Richardson, Executive Director of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. "Airports mean jobs in our community and economic wealth for our region. Fort Wayne International and Smith Field play a critical role in supporting existing businesses and fostering business growth that leads to economic development. Communities that are readily accessible by air transportation are at a competitive advantage in today's global marketplace." Since 1984, the Aviation Association of Indiana has conducted a bi-annual economic impact analysis of all of Indiana's publicly owned airports. This analysis provides the State a valuable benchmarking process in order to illustrate the economic importance of our airports.

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