San Diego County officials and community members helped break ground Monday on the $6.5 million first phase of a redevelopment project at the Gillespie Field general aviation airport in El Cajon.
The “Cajon Air Center” project will initially include grading lots that will be made available for future aviation uses, and installation of an underground basin to capture stormwater runoff.
Future phases will include improvements of roadways and drainage, relocation of utility equipment, and a new apron area and taxiways.
The Federal Aviation Administration has offered to pay 90 percent of the first phase cost, with the remaining funding coming from the county’s Airport Enterprise Fund. County officials said the timing of the remaining phases will depend on the FAA’s funding priorities.
When the project is completed, up to 55 acres will be available for lease to private developers to build aviation facilities.
— City News Service
