Construct/extend safety area

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the Town of Morristown a $6.06 million Project Grant on September 19, 2025, under the Airport Improvement Program (CFDA 20.106) to enhance runway safety infrastructure at Morristown Municipal Airport. Phase 11 of this multi-phase project specifically funds the procurement and installation of Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) blocks for the Runway 23 departure safety area. EMAS technology serves as a critical safety mechanism by decelerating aircraft that overrun runways, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall airport safety. This project is part of the airport's ongoing effort to construct and extend safety areas at both ends of Runway 5/23, with work scheduled for completion by September 18, 2029.

As a non-Part 139 certificated airport, Morristown Municipal Airport was not subject to the December 31, 2015 runway safety area deadline imposed on larger commercial airports. The grant demonstrates the FAA's continued commitment to supporting smaller municipal airports in pursuing safety improvements as resources become available. The award aligns with the FAA's strategic objective of enhancing safety across the National Plan of Integrated Airports Systems and reflects the agency's broader infrastructure investment goals under the Airport Improvement Program.

Activities and expected outcomes

This project constructs a runway 5/23 safety area at both runway ends to enhance safety. Non-14 CFR part 139 certificated airports were not subject to the runway safety area deadline of december 31, 2015, and some airports, including this one, continue to pursue further improvements as they become feasible. This grant funds phase 11, which consists of procurement of engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) blocks for the runway 23 departure safety area. Intended beneficiary: this grant will provide federal funding for airports associated with morristown, new jersey.