After over fifty years of existence, Erie International Airport is currently undergoing a necessary progression toward modernization with the extension of Runway 6-24.  This extremely complex undertaking involves roadway relocation, storm-water management, mitigation to wetlands and a runway overlay project has resulted in a phased design approach.

The primary design plans (commonly referred to as Bid Package #1) considers the runway extension which reflects the need to realign Powell Avenue, construction of storm water infrastructure and wetland mitigation.  This design led to a considerable land acquisition effort in which five businesses and as many as 135 residential units were acquired and the occupants were located.  In the aftermath of the land acquisition, the businesses and residential units were demolished making way for the oncoming construction.  Other necessary work includes modifications to Millcreek Township Golf Course.

Estimated to be over 4,500 feet long, the redesigned Powell Avenue must be relocated around the perimeter of the planned runway extension and will connect to Marshall Drive at West 12th Street.  The modifications to the golf course are also necessary to allow relocation of Powell Avenue and will be addressed in collaboration with Millcreek Township.

The footprint of Runway 24 extension and the relocation of Powell Avenue will have a significant impact on the storm water management infrastructure of the area.  That flooding is a common occurrence in the vicinity of the project area specifically in the area where Riviera Estates Mobile Home Park was formerly located is well-documented.  In addition, the areas to the south of the railroad embankments hold storm water in the vicinity of the east end of the airport.

The re-designed storm water infrastructure will address each of these issues.  Divided into two stages, the re-design plan calls for the construction of the storm water infrastructure to begin with storm water drainage facilities to replace the existing detention basin, and the second stage involves the installation of a detention basin consisting of underground storm water structures in the area previously occupied by Riviera Estates Mobile Home Park.  Wetlands within the construction zones will be relocated at a 3:1 ratio to a rural vicinity west of the airport at a federally and state approved location.