Officials break ground Wednesday on a $5.8 million runway replacement project for the 139th Airlift Wing at Rosecrans Airport.

According to an airfield assessment in 2009 , the existing Assault Strip and the remaining pavement of runway 13/31 have deteriorated and must be replaced to be brought up to minimum standards.

The replacement project will give the airport a standard day/nighttime instrument capable runway. The current status of runway 13/31 is nonstandard and is not recognized by the FAA as a Part-139 regulated surface. Officials say the upgrade will allow all users of our airport to utilize the facility in a more efficient manner.

The 139th Airlift Wing needs a minimum of 458 passes per annum to remain short field qualified. The Assault Strip supports over 2,500 short landings/touch and go’s per year which includes visitors who utilize Advanced Airlift Tactical Training Center.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at 10:30 Wednesday morning. Construction is expected take 120 days.