FAA approves $500M plan to replace, upgrade RDU's main runway
ABC-11, WTVD-TV, September 5, 2023
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) announced a major win Monday in its efforts to expand: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the airport's plan to replace its main runway.
"The linchpin of all of it is that new runway because it's going to be new, it's going to be longer and they're going to relocate it just a little bit out of the way," explained Joe Milazzo, the executive director of the Regional Transportation Alliance.
Local leaders said the FAA's decision is a win for the entire state.
"If you're growing and if you're going to grow successfully, your infrastructure needs to grow right along with you," Milazzo said.
Milazzo said securing federal funding for this runway has been a top local priority for a while.
"The airport, of course, is very central to the success of this entire extended metropolitan region, while I-40 is the most important road in the Triangle, this is the most important two miles of pavement in the Triangle." Milazzo said. "That primary runway -- we are so excited to see that moving forward. It creates jobs not just at the airport. It allows companies to be successful. That creates opportunity, creates tax revenue and allows more folks to be able to move in here and be successful"
Milazzo said the continual expansion of the airport will bring economic opportunity to the area.
"The runway is not going to be open tomorrow, but we're on a glide path to success now," Milazzo said.
Read more