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The Kokomo Municipal Airport is wrapping up a significant infrastructure project: the rehabilitation of Runway 5/23. The main 5,200-foot by 150-foot section was completely rebuilt by milling off eight inches of old asphalt and replacing it with eight inches of concrete. The 800-foot asphalt extension from a decade ago remains.

“The Kokomo Municipal Airport is a vital economic engine for our region,” said Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore. “Projects like this show our commitment to maintaining a world-class facility that supports local commerce and welcomes business travel.”

Beyond the pavement, the work included replacing an out-of-adjustment PAPI, rebuilding sections of Taxiways A1 and A2, replacing access roads to the VOR and glideslope, and applying fresh paint across the entire runway surface.

The total cost is just under $8.2 million, with the city’s portion at roughly $342,000. Originally planned for two years, completing both phases this year not only accelerated the timeline but also saved approximately $700,000 by avoiding a second mobilization of the batch plant.

“Maintaining a municipal airport is a continuous process, not a one-time fix,” said Shaun Baker, Director of the Kokomo Municipal Airport. “We’re replacing critical infrastructure like the PAPI and rebuilding the Taxiway connectors because those components are just as vital to safe, efficient operations as the pavement itself. Every detail matters.”

This project continues a series of upgrades over the last few years to enhance the airport’s safety, efficiency, and look. Notable improvements since 2020 include:

Runway 14/32 underwent a major mill and overlay rehabilitation in 2020.

All facility buildings were repainted, and new LED lighting was installed in both the terminal and maintenance buildings to improve visibility and lower energy costs (2020–2022).

The terminal building received extensive interior and exterior renovations, including upgrades to the front desk, restrooms, offices, kitchenette, windows, doors, and landscaping (2021–2023).

Other improvements include new interior and exterior LED lighting for all 48 T-hangars (2023), new airport signage, and 15 new ramp and parking lot lights (2020–2025).

These investments underscore the city’s commitment to providing a modern, safe, and efficient airport for Kokomo and the surrounding area.