FRANKLIN TWP, Beaver County — Construction on the first part of the Zelienople Municipal Airport’s expansion project could begin later this summer, officials said.

The airport is still waiting for permits to be approved from various state and federal agencies. Approval is needed before construction can begin.

“It looks like we’re getting pretty close,” airport manager Dave Holman said. “Everybody is on the same page, but it’s a pretty complex operation.”

Agents from the state Department of Environmental Protection visited the airport last week to tour the site and meet with officials regarding the project.

“This is just part of the process, but as soon as the environmental permits are issued, we’re ready to go immediately,” Holman said.

The airport has also been in discussion with state Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10th, about the project. Bernstine said he in full support of the expansion.

“It’s a great opportunity here that will bring additional opportunities for growth and employment,” he said. “We’re excited for it.”

Bernstine said the expansion should be viewed as a positive for the adjacent Hereford Manor Lakes. Airport officials previously said the expansion will not affect the lakes, which were drained in 2012. Efforts are being made to refill the lakes.

“There are now public utilities there,” Bernstine said. “With the expansion of public utilities, that makes Hereford Manor not just a lake, but rather an overall economic engine.”

The lakes had an economic impact of about $12.4 million before being drained. Bernstine said the airport’s expansion could “significantly” increase that number once the lakes are reopened.

The airport’s expansion will include the education center’s construction, expanding the runway to accommodate jets, realigning Route 288 and decreasing the road’s elevation, demolishing old hangars, building new hangars and increasing jet services.

The education center, the first part of the project to be worked on, will be built in wetlands near the airport. This part of the project is being done in collaboration with the Beaver County Conservation District.

“We’re not sure what direction we want to go, but there will be outdoor education to showcase best management practices,” said Jim Shaner, executive director of the conservation district.

Shaner said students from the tricounty area and scout organizations will use the center.

This education center would be a second location for the conservation district. The other center is in Independence Township on the southern side of Beaver County.

“We think it will be really beneficial as a second location and reach out to other counties,” Shaner said.

The 40-by-60-foot center will be a safe distance from the airport.

Old, abandoned mining highwalls will be replaced during the overall project.

“It’s emitting aluminum into the water,” Holman said of the mining sites. “The DEP’s Bureau of Mining wants that to go away. It’s a made-in-heaven project.”

Representatives from the DEP and the Bureau of Mining could not be reached for comment.

The airport also met with the state Department of Transportation earlier this year to discuss realigning Route 288. The project will receive about $2.24 million from the state multimodal fund.

A new jet fueling station also will be built, using $375,000 in grant money. Holman said this part of the project will not need environmental approval and will be put out to bid soon. Construction for the fueling station could begin this summer.