Work has finally wrapped up on Jackson airport’s west runway, nearly two years after is was slated to be finished.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told the Sun that the project was completed on April 29, and that the runway should open for flights in a few days.
The project was funded with a $17.2 million grant from FAA. Inspectors from the agency had to sign off on the project before giving the all clear.
Officials with the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA), the agency that oversees the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, weren’t talking.
“When we have more information from our governmental partners and key contractors, we will be able to share more,” said spokeswoman LSherie Dean in an email. “At this time, we have no further comment.”
Superior Asphalt did the work. The firm was brought on in 2017 to mill and overlay the 8,500-foot runway.
Construction was slated to be completed in July 23, 2018.
It was not known why the project had been delayed.
Under terms of Superior’s agreement, the firm had 300 calendar days to complete the project once a notice to proceed was issued.
The firm faced a $2,500 a day fine for each calendar day the work was not completed after the July 23rd date.
As of April 29, the contract was 646 days behind schedule, meaning contractors had amassed fines of more than $1.6 million.
It was not known if JMAA would enforce those fines.
Superior is affiliated with Yates Construction. A spokesman with Yates' corporate office said he would look into the matter.
