Runway Extension to Positively Impact Van Wert's Economic Future

The Van Wert County Regional Airport runway is being extended by 1,400 feet, which will positively impact Van Wert’s economic future. While the BDC did not directly fund the runway extension, we have been a strong supporter of the airport—most notably through our involvement with the construction of the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facility. We continue to believe that the airport is a vital asset in Van Wert’s long-term economic development strategy.

Jason Clearwaters, P.E., P.S., Aviation Development Director at Butler, Fairman & Seufert, has served as the project engineer on all of Van Wert’s recent FAA-funded capital improvement projects. As Jason aptly stated, “Business people who are bringing opportunity to your community don’t arrive on a Greyhound bus. They fly in.”

This runway extension will allow the airport to better accommodate business-class aircraft, increasing access for executives, investors, and site selectors considering Van Wert as a place to grow.

Progress on the airport runway as of july 7, 2025.