Work around the runway at the Rutland airport is slated for the summer.

The proposed FY 2014 budget includes $5,360,000 for the expansion of the runway safety area and associated relocation of Airport Road. The project will provide more flat terrain surrounding the runway.

“If a plane lands long — or short — this level turf provides a safe area for the plane to come to a rest with minimal structure damage,” said Jason Owen, project manager for the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

The change brings the airport closer to FAA design standards, Owen said, and should help upgrade the airport’s safety rating from “fair” to “excellent.”

“In a perfect world, in airports like Rutland, they would like 1,000 feet,” he said. “That’s not practical, but we’re going to double what’s there. Right now, it’s about 300 feet and we’re going to make it 600 feet.”

For the complete story, see Friday's Rutland Herald.