Upgraded Airport Runway Opens

The main runway at Spokane International Airport reopened to regular airline service on Saturday after being closed for a major upgrade in recent months. More than 100 workers moved dirt and poured concrete to raise the northeast end of the runway by about 5 feet. The job improves the line of sight for pilots taking off or landing. “It is a safety improvement,” said Todd Woodard, airport spokesman. The $30 million project was part of nearly $93.4 million in runway and apron improvements over the past several years, including extending the main runway to 11,000 feet. The changes put Spokane in line to draw new cargo operations and allow airlines to operate more efficiently during the heat of the summer/ Mike Prager, SR. More here. (Dan Pelle SR photo: Jacqui Halvorson, left, and David Brukardt snap photos of Stearman aircraft Saturday)