The Alpena County Regional Airport recently updated its 10-year plan, which includes large projects in 2010 and 2011.

The plan outlines 17 projects with a total cost over $4.1 million to be completed through 2020.

Airport Manager Billi McRoberts said projects to rehabilitate a taxiway and apron are two important improvements scheduled for 2010 - costing $420,000 and $253,750 respectively.

"It's a preventive maintenance," McRoberts said.

The Federal Aviation Administration covers 95 percent of the cost of the projects, with Alpena County and the state each paying 2.5 percent.

With the state's budget problems, McRoberts said it could withdraw funding in the future - which would force the county to contribute more and thus push back projects.

A 2011 project to expand the airport terminal and make it more energy efficient is at risk of being pushed back, she said.

The current terminal has heating and cooling issues and is too small, she said. The project, which would cost $500,000, would either expand or replace the terminal.

"It is something that really, it's needed," McRoberts said.

The largest project in the 10-year plan is a for the extension of a taxiway in 2017. The project is expected to cost $1,981,000. McRoberts said current traffic doesn't justify the project so it will be reevaluated in the future and possibly taken off the list.

The other projects deal with maintenance and less costly upgrades, such as purchasing LED lights, pavement maintenance and a security system upgrade. Construction of a T-hangar is in the plan for 2014.

Each project is prioritized by the FAA, and safety-related projects usually get the highest priority, McRoberts said.

The plan is developed by airport officials, an engineering consultant, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the FAA. It is reviewed every year and can be changed at any time.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.