Airport gets first new runway since 1942 By MATT KAPKO Half Moon Bay Review October 13, 2004 The entire runway at Half Moon Bay Airport is being resurfaced this week, shutting down operations for more than 72 hours. The resurfacing project is a preventative measure, and this is the first project of its kind at the airport. "It's actually the original pavement out there," San Mateo County Airport Manager Mark Larson said. The repaving of the main runway, which is 5,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, is being paid for through a Federal Aviation Administration grant. The project comes with a price tag of a little more than $1 million. The FAA is paying for 90 percent of the cost, with the California Division of Aeronautics and the county division splitting the remaining 10 percent, Larson said. All funds being allocated to the project are generated from aviation-user fees, Larson said. Dozens of trucks and construction machinery are clogging the runway as workers repave the surface. "They've been moving big trucks in and out yesterday and today," Sheriff's Lt. John Quinlan said on Tuesday. His main concern with the airport's temporary closure is its importance for emergency access. In the case of natural disasters, terrorist attacks or major air and traffic accidents, the airport plays a vital role in connecting the coast with the rest of the region, he said. The FAA has posted public notices to inform pilots of the airport's temporary closure, but airport officials are also taking other measures on the ground. A big, flashing yellow "X" sign, at least 15 feet long, sits on the entry side of the runway warning incoming planes not to land at the airport. "We've got markings on the runway indicating that the runway is closed," Larson said. Although pilots are supposed to check FAA notices before going into flight, the airport is still receiving calls from pilots in the air who had planned to land here. Some say the runway wasn't in need of a resurfacing, while others said it is better to do the work now and avoid a more decrepit condition down the road. Because the work is preventative in nature, construction workers only need to regrind some trouble spots rather than the entire surface area. Frank Sylvestri, owner of West Coast Aviation, has seen many changes at this small airport in his 54 years there. He said the runway was in fair shape, and hopes this resurfacing will prolong its life another half century. The airport's next pressing need is a resurfacing of the taxiway, he said. He said the project has been in the queue for some time now. Because the project is being completed so quickly, it's having minimal impact pilots who use the airport, Sylvestri said. The Half Moon Bay Airport was originally built for the U.S. Army in 1942 by the California State Highway Department, Larson said. The former military installation was turned over to San Mateo County following the end of World War II. The airport has an annual average of 60,000 flight landings and takeoffs, Larson said. "They did a great job to have the runway and asphalt hold up for over 62 years," he said. "Hopefully it will last another 60 years." Home