Runway repairs underway Published Oct. 30, 2009 By Lois Walsh Team Eglin Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Federal stimulus money is kicking in to make major repairs to base infrastructure. Beginning Nov. 1, Phase 1 of a $6 million stimulus package repair begins on Runway 19/01. "The taxiways will remain open so we can get aircraft from the AETC side of the base to main base," said Nick D'Aquila, construction representative for the 96th Civil Engineer Group. Mr. DeAquila said the runway has been patched numerous times, but it's been at least 15 years since major repairs such as those scheduled were done. "It desperately needs it," he said. Tech Sgt. David Simpson, 46th Test Wing's deputy airfield manager, said the push is on to get the message out to the flying community that the runway is closed. Aircraft requesting permission to land here are notified of runway conditions when they call. "It's a juggling act, construction limits our parking capabilities," he said. "There are a lot of mission here, so parking spots fill up." The sergeant said it is also important for flightline drivers to remember that the runway is still active even though it's closed to construction. "We don't want any controlled movement area violations," Sergeant Simpson said. "Permission from the tower is still needed to drive across the runway because taxiways are still open." Phase 1 is expected to be complete in January. Phase 2 is planned to begin on Jan. 1, and will involve closing the portion of 19/01 south of Taxiway H to all aircraft operations until approximately March 15.