Morristown Airport Renovation Progress Inspected By Rep. Sherrill

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown Municipal Airport is currently undergoing a multi-year effort to bring the 1930s-era airport up to modern standards.

This week, Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) returned to Morristown Airport to check on the progress of the critical safety upgrades.

Sherrill was given a tour of MMU's airfield during her visit to see the progress being made to modernize the airport through the Runway 5-23 Rehabilitation Project, which is primarily funded by the FAA's Airport Improvement Program.

“As a former helicopter pilot, I understand the importance of a safe runway and landing approach,” said Sherrill, who is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served in the Navy for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer.

“It was great to be back at Morristown Airport to see the impressive progress that’s being made to upgrade the infrastructure at this critical transportation hub and economic driver in North Jersey," Sherrill continued.

The work is being done in stages to reduce the impact on airport users, with the next phase, Phase IX, set to begin on July 10. Phase IX is expected to be completed this fall, with the overall project expected to be completed by 2028.

Morristown Airport is located in Hanover but is owned and operated as a municipal utility by Morristown.

Among all airports in the state of New Jersey, MMU contributes significantly to the state's economy through its tenants and visitors, generating an estimated $187 million in total spending in the community.

According to MMU, Morristown Airport attracts and sustains economic growth in the region by housing flight departments and aircraft for many Morris County-based corporations.

“Morristown Airport has been an essential partner to Morris County,” said Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus. “I am pleased to see the incredible progress that’s been made to improve safety and upgrade infrastructure at this vital economic asset to our region.”

The Morristown Town Council approved two resolutions earlier this year authorizing up to $10 million in airport upgrades for the project; however, the town is under no obligation to contribute financially to either of the scheduled improvement projects.

According to the Morristown website, the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program will cover 90 percent of the cost, or $9 million, with DM Airports and the New Jersey Department of Transportation each committing the additional costs.

“Morristown Airport has been an economic engine for North Jersey for many years, and thanks to these critical upgrades, we are ensuring it will continue to benefit our area,” said Craig Schlosser, President, Morris County Economic Development Alliance.