PRESS RELEASE

The Yolo County General Services Department has been awarded two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants totaling more than $240,000 to support planning and maintenance efforts at the Yolo County Airport (KDWA). The grants include $170,620 for runway rehabilitation planning and $71,250 for development of a Pavement Maintenance Management System (PMMS). Both projects are part of the County’s Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP), which prioritizes long-term investments to ensure safe and reliable operations for airport users.

“Improvements to the Yolo County Airport is an investment in our local economy and transportation infrastructure,” said Lucas Frerichs, Yolo County Board of Supervisors, District 2. “These federal grant funds will ensure that our runway and pavement systems remain safe and reliable, while also supporting the aviation businesses that call Yolo County home.”

The runway rehabilitation planning project will address age-related wear and tear, including weathering and cracking. Rehabilitation, rather than full reconstruction, will focus on targeted repairs such as crack sealing, isolated pavement replacement, and possible seal coating.

The PMMS will provide updated evaluations of the airport’s runways, taxiways, aprons, and tie-down areas. This system will document pavement conditions, establish maintenance schedules, and recommend improvements to preserve the airport’s infrastructure. The County will also pursue matching funds from the California Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics, which provides state grants covering 5% of federal awards.

“The Yolo County Airport has been part of this community for generations, and these grants allow us to keep its facilities safe, reliable, and ready for the future,” said Ryan Pistochini, Yolo County General Services Director. “By planning for runway rehabilitation and updating our pavement management system, we’re ensuring the airport remains a strong community asset that supports local businesses and aviation activity.”

The Yolo County Airport, located between Winters and Davis off County Road 95, is a general aviation airport with a 6,000-foot runway. Originally built as a U.S. Army Air Force training facility during World War II, it was later transferred to County ownership. Today, it is home to Woodland Aviation, an aircraft maintenance service center, and SkyDance Skydiving.

To learn more about the Yolo County airport, please visit www.YoloCounty.gov/airport.