NORWICH – Federal funding delays are holding up a tree removal project that would make the landing strip of the Lt. Warren Eaton airport more visible to incoming pilots.

Trees on private properties surrounding the county-owned airport in Norwich have grown so tall that they obstruct pilots’ view and, in accordance with FAA regulations, are limmiting runway use to daytime hours.

The county has contracted with Clough Harbour, an Albany-based engineering and consulting firm, to work on the project. According to Clough Harbour representatives, any hope of improving the airport in the future starts with compliance of FAA regulations. This means cutting trees that are blocking pilots’ approach to the runway and are limiting nighttime use.

The present challenge, said Clough Harbour engineer Paul McDonnell, is that Congress hasn’t released 2016 federal funding yet, and that’s stalling plans locally.

“Because of that, we have not put plans together until we know what’s going to happen,” he said.

The entire project is being funded through a combination of federal, state and local resources. Federal funding will make up 90 percent the cost of the project while 5 percent will be covered by state funds, and another 5 percent by local funds.