Governor Doyle approves $517,218 project at Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport

November 26, 2008

Governor Jim Doyle has approved a $517,218 project to construct a security and wildlife perimeter fence at the Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport. The Governor's action releases $12,930 in state funds to help complete the project. The city of Sparta is contributing $12,932 and the Federal Aviation Administration is providing $491,356.

According to Andrew Trimble, airport development engineer at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, one of the main goals of the project is to provide a positive barrier to keep area wildlife away from the active airport. The electronic gates will increase security at the airport, while still providing quick access for emergency vehicles.

The project is scheduled to begin in November 2008 and should be completed by summer of 2009.

Sparta-Fort McCoy Airport is located three miles northeast of the city of Sparta on the Camp McCoy Complex, which is owned by the U.S. Army. Twelve civilian aircraft and a number of army aircraft are based at the airport. Annual operations consist of about 15,000 take-offs and landings each year.

For more information, contact:
Andrew Trimble, WisDOT Airport Development Engineer
(608) 267-0454, andrew.trimble@wisconsin.gov