He said the Air Force is still working out a lease with the Lincoln Airport Authority for use of its facilities. He expects construction at the Lincoln Airport to begin in March or April and continue until November.

Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican whose 1st District includes the base, issued a statement supporting the change.

“This welcome adjustment from repairing the existing runway to a complete replacement with a modern design and materials will improve the 55th Wing’s mission effectiveness and provide taxpayers with extended cost-savings in operations and maintenance for decades to come,” he said.

Offutt’s lone runway was built in 1941 and opened just weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was extended to its current length in 1955.

Though there have been numerous patches, and major runway renovations in 1983, 1995 and 2006, much of the original concrete still remains. More than half of the runway is at least 40 years old, Offutt officials said.