City of Lee’s Summit Celebrates Opening of Runway Extension

The City of Lee’s Summit and project partners celebrated the official opening of the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport’s new extended runway and completion of airport upgrades on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Hangar 1, 2525 NE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, Mo.

“It is gratifying to be here today to celebrate the fulfillment of a long-term vision set forth by Lee’s Summit leaders,” Lee’s Summit Mayor Pro Tem Rob Binney said. “This new 5,500-foot long runway enables larger corporate jets with greater fuel capacity to take-off and land at the Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport, ultimately helping Lee’s Summit build its profile as an important gateway to opportunity.” 

The $18 million project was funded through approximately $17 million in federal and state grants and a 5 percent local match by the City of Lee’s Summit. Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. served as general contractor for both the runway earthwork and paving projects, and Crawford Murphy and Tilly, Inc. provided engineering design services.

“This project would not be possible without strong collaboration at all levels of government,” Lee’s Summit Airport Manager John Ohrazda said. “I would like to thank our project partners and the City of Lee’s Summit for supporting the growth and vision of Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport.”

The airport runway improvements, along with the City of Lee’s Summit’s purchase of the 40,000-square foot Hangar 1, are expected to boost economic development and redevelopment activity by offering another option for transportation and accessibility, according to Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council President Rick McDowell.

“While providing a significant economic boost to the City of Lee’s Summit, these airport improvements also provide business and corporate aircraft users better access to the southeastern Jackson County area and the metropolitan Kansas City region,” McDowell said. “In addition, Hangar 1 allows the airport to accommodate both ‘based’ and transient corporate aircraft.”

The earthwork project to accommodate the longer runway began in fall 2015 and was completed in summer 2016. The paving portion of the project began in fall 2016.