Image courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard

By MATT SMITHMIER

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Marking the beginning of a multi-year project, construction is underway in Elizabeth City on a $32 million redo of Runway 1-19 for the U.S. Coast Guard.

RQ Construction, located in Carlsbad, Calif., is a long-time collaborator of the Coast Guard and was awarded the contract to build the project.

Work will include rebuilding the runway, modernizing the airfield lighting and taxiways and enhancing aviation operations. Construction is expected to continue through 2027.

Elizabeth City is located approximately 50 miles south of Norfolk, Va.

The runway has been closed since 2008; the project should restore critical operational capacity to one of the country’s busiest Coast Guard aviation installations. The Coast Guard says it should also increase the base’s readiness by allowing for essential training and maintenance of the fleet, while also improving safety for crew members.

“Restoring Runway 1-19 optimizes our ability to execute lifesaving and national security missions every day throughout the East District,” said Rear Adm. Zeita Merchant, commander of the Coast Guard East District. “It maximizes our response readiness and provides our aircrews with the tactical flexibility and agility to deploy day or night without delay.”