New Crosswinds Runway Dedicated At Robert J. Miller Airpark In Berkeley

It was a long time coming.

But the 3,400-foot crosswinds runway - the first constructed in the state since 1983 - was officially dedicated at the robert J. Miler Airpark in Berkeley Township on Thursday.

“This runway provides a safer landing alternative for smaller aircraft during adverse wind and weather conditions,” Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari said. Vicari serves as liaison to the airpark.

The Federal Aviation Administration secured 90 percent of the funding for the $8.2 million price tag. The New Jersey Department of Transportation was able to offset some of the local match Ocean County had to provide, he said..

“The safety of the pilots using the airpark is of the utmost importance to the County,” Vicari said. “The airpark is used for more than just private planes. It serves an important role when it comes to public safety, and housing aircraft that are used by public safety agencies.”

The airport is located in the Pinelands Preservation Area. It took the county seven years to work out an agreement with the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, he said.

“We kept our commitment to the Pinelands Commission and we believe that the environmental measures we have put into place will permanently enhance the habitat of the surrounding area,” Vicari said.

The airport will also help with public safety. It was only several years ago that the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service pulled out of the airport, due to the lack of a crosswinds runway, he said.

“Once the runway was nearing completion, we contacted the Fire Service and quickly negotiated their return to the airport,” Vicari said.

The airpark is located on 420 acres in Berkeley Township, about five miles west of Toms River. A precision approach facility, it features a 6,000 foot runway and accommodates various aircraft, including private airplanes, small corporate jets, the state Forest Fire Service planes, the Civil Air Patrol and Emergency Services aircraft.