It’s official.  The total audited boardings for 2011 at the Hays Regional Airport exceeded the 10,000  goal with a total of 10,912 passengers for the year. The numbers now qualify the airport for up to $1 million in federal funding for airport improvements.

The all-volunteer Fly Hays marketing committee revealed the goal during a Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Chat this morning at the airport.

Enplanement numbers audited by the Federal Aviation Administration for 2011 are:  Great Lakes, 9,900; Hays Aircraft, 318; Eagle Med, 510; DWTA Helicopters, 184.

Potential airport improvements eligible for the FAA grant include wildlife fencing, apron rehabilitation, snow removal equipment, a parallel taxiway to the crosswind runway, and terminal building improvements.