RICHMOND — Construction of a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Facility is slated to begin in September at Richmond International Airport.
The Capital Region Airport Commission will receive $4 million in federal funding toward the project. U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine advocated for the funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant Program.
“The main purpose of an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) facility at Richmond International Airport (RIC) is to provide specialized emergency response capabilities in case of aircraft accidents or incidents. ARFF facilities are equipped with firefighting vehicles, equipment, and trained personnel specifically geared towards rapid response and effective management of aircraft-related emergencies. ARFF teams are crucial for ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and airport personnel, as well as mitigating potential fire and rescue challenges unique to aviation incidents,” Troy Bell, Director of Marketing and Air Service Development at RIC, said.
The new facility will total 30,000 square feet and feature six roll-through apparatus bays. There will also be support space with a workshop, workshop storage, gear wash, medical decontamination and first aid.
Ten single-room living quarters that can accommodate male or female firefighters, single-use showers, a laundry room, storage space, kitchen, dining, and exercise areas will also be housed in the new facility.
In an effort of safety, the facility will also have a watch/alarm room that will have a view over all runways. The second level will house a business suite with offices, a conference room and training space.
Travel or runway access is not expected to change during the project’s construction. Once construction begins in September, the project is expected to take 18 months.