Planes are flying into and out of Rock Airport, which hasn't had plane traffic since 2001 because of a $13 million runway extension project, said owner Rock Ferrone. Ferrone said the airport in West Deer received its Bureau of Aviation license late last month and several planes use the newly expanded runway on a daily basis. About $10 million of the expansion project was paid from PennDOT's aviation account, which is funded through taxes on jet fuel in the state. The runway now is 3,500 feet long and 100 feet wide. And it's not complete. Ferrone said he plans to extend the runway another 2,000 feet. "We're hoping to start the work as soon as the construction season begins and finish it by the time the construction season ends," he said. Ferrone said he also intends to build hangars, a terminal, a ramp area and service center. The work could take two construction seasons and would cost about $11 million, he said. To finance the work, Ferrone said he plans to use $5 million in state aviation funds and about $6 million in federal money. State and federal officials, however, couldn't confirm that Ferrone is in line for such money. PennDOT spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick said Ferrone will receive about $1.5 million this fiscal year to add taxi ways and aprons to the runway. Ferrone said he's negotiating with seven companies, including start-up airline AirLink Express, to locate at the Rockpointe Business Park surrounding the airport. He wouldn't name the other companies. AirLink founder Rod Eichhorn couldn't be reached for comment. Five companies are currently located at Rockpointe, including Filmet, Joseph B. Fay Co., Management Science Associates, Rock-Built and Zambrano Corp.

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