A San Francisco-based engineering firm has been tabbed to complete a major runway extension at the Spokane International Airport.

The airport’s board of directors this week hired URS Engineering to collaborate with a Spokane-based engineering firm on extending the runway by 2,000 feet, to 11,000 feet. Airport officials say that once completed, the project will allow departing planes to carry more passengers and cargo during summer months - hot air reduces wing lift, so planes need more runway for take-offs.

The extension could also expand business at the airport as cargo carriers want runways at least 11,000 feet long.

Construction costs over two years could range anywhere from $30 million to $50 million, depending on material costs. Most, if not all, of the necessary funds coming from airport coffers. (Spokesman Review)