New Runway Just Part Of $7.3 Million Facelift For Wisconsin
Airport
By ANN Correspondent Rose Dorcey
They didn't do it with a fast, upside down aerobatic airplane
flying just inches from the ground, but the runway ribbon cutting
ceremony at the new and much improved Middleton Municipal/Morey
Field Airport (WI) was almost as exciting. City and state officials
joined Rich Morey in a ceremonious ribbon cutting that marked an
important milestone in the ongoing enhancements being made at the
Middleton Airport.
The new, longer runway is just one component of a $7.3 million
facelift that includes a new terminal building, new hangars, a
taxiway, and upgraded airport lighting.
"We're so proud to be here," said Morey, surrounded by a large
crowd of supporters, government officials and television media.
"We've turned a 1940's vintage airport into a modern aviation
facility for general aviation and light business. I want to thank
the city leaders for having the foresight to save this piece of
infrastructure."
State and city officials echoed the thoughts of Morey in brief
statements to the press. Keith Gerard, deputy director of the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Bureau of Aeronautics said
that if State Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi attended,
he would want to compliment the City of Middleton for their spirit
and drive.
"Five years ago, when decisions were being made, communities
were running deficits, unemployment was coming up, but the people
of the City of Middleton decided there was a window of
opportunity," said Gerard. "With federal and state assistance, you
see the outstanding results here. We are sure with the Morey family
here it is going to continue to have that feeling of a general
aviation, small-town airport. That is one of the unique and
wonderful things about Middleton. On behalf of the secretary, we're
pleased to be a financial and moral supporter of this project."
At 4,000 feet, the new Middleton runway is about 1,000' longer
than the previous runway, and at 100' wide, about three times
wider. But Mark Opitz, Assistant City Planner, is quick to point
out that at that length, the community should not expect Middleton
Municipal to become Middleton International. "We won't have
commercial airlines here, the runway length was kept to 4,000' so
that we wouldn't reach that threshold where there would be a
substantial increase in air traffic. We will remain a general
aviation facility, and with the improvements, such as the runway
and taxiway lighting, we will offer a safer environment for
pilots."
Morey (being interviewed, above) traced the family heritage that
led to the development of the Middleton Airport. Morey's
grandfather, Howard Morey, started Dane County's first airport in
1925. When World War II loomed on the horizon, Howard moved to the
Middleton location. Both Howard Morey and his son, Field, managed
the Morey Field Airport.
"We intend to be a good neighbor in the community," said Rich Morey
in his closing statements. "We want to be a community airport,
where families can bring their kids to watch the airplanes. I want
to invite you all back in spring for a big open house when the
complete project is finished."
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