Construct taxilane

The Town of Bethel received a $531,120 formula grant award on July 31, 2025, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to construct a new 500-foot taxilane west of the existing apron at Bethel Airport in Gilead, Maine. This taxilane construction project will provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area and bring the airport into conformity with current Federal Aviation Administration standards. The project is scheduled for completion by July 30, 2029.

This grant represents a portion of the total project funding, with an associated Airport Infrastructure Grant (funded separately under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) covering the remaining eligible project costs. The taxilane construction supports the Federal Aviation Administration's strategic objectives of maintaining a comprehensive nationwide system of public-use airports adequate to meet civil aeronautics needs while enabling long-term economic benefits through transportation infrastructure investment at the regional level.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project constructs a new 500-foot taxilane west of existing apron to provide airfield access to a non-exclusive hangar development area to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. This grant funds a portion of the total project. This grant is associated with an airport infrastructure grant that funds the remaining eligible portion of the project. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with bethel, maine.