Airport, Warning Lights To Be Replaced

The Wiscasset Municipal Airport is going to get some much-needed improvements soon, thanks to a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

IWI was awarded a $160,000 grant this week for new airport and area warning lights, fixed-base operator Wicked Good Aviation co-owner Ann Walko told the Lincoln County News.

Some specific projects the money will be used for include replacing the green and white night location beacon as well as a pole and light on Whaleback Ridge in the town of Woolwich.

According to Walko, that particular light in Woolwich, a red warning light that tells pilots the terrain there poses an obstruction, is currently mounted on a wood pole. They want to replace it with a more durable and secure metal one, she said.

The grant money will cover most, if not all, the cost of construction and installation of the new equipment, Walko said.

The grant funds will be taken from the FAA's Aviation Trust, funded from federal excise tax on aircraft fuel.

"It comes from users of the system," Walko said.

FMI: www.exploremaine.org/air/ap_wiscasset.html, www.wickedgoodaviation.com