By MATT PIKE

St. Joseph Post

Work at Rosecrans Memorial Airport to continue improving the airport, which is also the home of the 139th Airlift Wing, which many of the improvements should aid.

St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney says a new air traffic control tower is not operational just yet, but is up at the airport that was needed by the 139th

“So, it didn’t meet the security requirements that the 139th and the Air Force and the Air Guard needed, so security it upgraded that,” Forney explains on the KFEQmunnity show. “And then the height requirement for the controllers to be able to see the air traffic in the area, so it needed to be higher and then it needed to be more secure, after September 11th everything changed security wise.”

A new runway, and a new terminal have also been done at the airport. Many of the improvements are aimed at assisting the 139th to be able to upgrade to the new “J” Model C-130.

Forney though, says the upgrades have also had a massive impact on the city overall

“The big businesses in town, the American Family Insurance or the Altecs or whoever, the big companies that utilize this city, utilize the airport too,” Forney says. “So, more safer runways, safer air traffic control, is better for everybody that utilizes the airport.”

Forney says these improvements are important because as cliche as it sounds, the airport is the gateway to the city

“When these big corporations or the governor come to town, or any elected official, when they fly in it’s the first thing that they see, so first impressions last a long time as we all know,” Forney says. “And when you come into a new modern facility, it gives the perception of what our city is, and it’s a great city so I want them to see a great airport before they come to a great town.”

Forney does point out that the new tower is not yet operational, as it waits for equipment from the FAA. The new runway has been completed, and the new terminal is currently operational as well.