Richland, Wash. – Port of Benton plans to begin construction on an electrical replacement project at the Richland Airport on Monday, July 11. The Port obtained a $3,156,583 million, 100% grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fund the replacement of the entire electrical system at the airport, which will replace all runway and taxiway lights.

Sierra Electric, Inc. was selected as the lowest responsive bidder for the project and has provided the estimated project schedule below to share with airport users and the community.

Please note the schedule is dependent on all materials arriving on time.

Monday, July 11 – Construction is planned to begin on Runway 8-26, and this runway will be closed for approximately eight weeks. Runway 1-19 will remain fully open.

Tuesday, September 6 – Construction will begin on the intersection of the two runways. Runway 8-26 will remain closed.

Tuesday, September 6 at 6 a.m. – Friday, September 9 at 4 p.m. – Runway 1-19 will operate with a 2,065-foot-long displaced threshold runway and without runway edge lighting. 

Friday, September 9 at 4 p.m. – Monday, September 12 at 6 a.m. – Runway 1-19 will be open and operational but without runway or taxiway lighting. 

Monday, September 12 at 6 a.m. – Friday, September 16 at 4 p.m. – Runway 8-26 and the intersection of the runways will be closed. Runway 1-19 will operate with a 2,065-foot-long displaced threshold runway.

Friday, September 16 at 4 p.m. – Monday, September 19 at 6 a.m. – Both runways will be open and operational but without runway or taxiway lighting. 

Monday, September 19 – Runway 1-19 will be fully closed for approximately seven weeks. Runway 8-26 will be open and operational but without runway and taxiway lighting. During the closure of Runway 1-19, all aircraft activity will be functioning on Runway 8-26, which will alter daily aircraft patterns and may affect neighboring homes and businesses.

Saturday, September 24 – Runway 8-26 is reenergized, with runway and taxiway lights.

Mid-November – Construction is planned to be complete, and Port of Benton expects to have the airport completely functioning. 

How do I stay informed?

Visit the Project website.

Click here to send an email to the project group.

Sign up for our eNews and select Aviation, we will be sending out regular emails with the construction updates and schedule.

Notices of the project construction will include signage at the airport, direct mailings, newspaper advertisements and flyers at the airport.

If you have any questions concerning this project, please contact the project email or call the Port at 509-375-3060.