Redmond Airport runway repaving still on track

When Congress voted last week to end the controversial — yet short-lived — furloughs for air traffic controllers, it redirected money from airport improvement projects across the country.

But Redmond Airport Director Kim Dickie said Monday a $10 million plan to repave Roberts Field’s runway remains on schedule.

“But it could change at any time, certainly,” she said. “We’re waiting and watching.”

The $253 million Congress used to end the furloughs came from unallocated funds for improvement projects — news that surprised Dickie.

“We could have found something to do with that money,” she said.

The furloughs were a money-saving measure necessitated by the so-called sequester.

Dickie said the city will continue with the $900,0000 design phase of the process this year.

Next year, the airport will apply for a $9 million grant to pay for the paving.