NATCHEZ — One county runway recently underwent a makeover.

Pavement Maintenance Unlimited of Denham Springs, La., received the bid to apply two layers of sealant on runway 18-36 at the Natchez-Adams County Airport, and Airport Manager Clint Pomeroy said the process was designed to add six to eight years to the runway’s usage.

“By sealing cracks we stop water from getting in and that extends the life of the runway,” Pomeroy said. “It stops the cracks from getting bigger and that helps preserve.”

The airport received a grant from the aeronautics division of MDOT for $328,185, which paid for the crack seal and seal coat process. The company also repainted the runway.

“We now have one of the prettiest runways,” Pomeroy said.

Pomeroy said this process is typically done every 10 years, but the last time runway 18-36 received the work was 12 years ago. Left untreated, Pomeroy said runways typically last 20 years.

“Putting asphalt down on a new runway costs close to $1 million, so we are getting a pretty good deal,” Pomeroy said.

Runway 13-31, the airport’s second runway, will receive similar treatment in July. Pomeroy said the airport commission is currently taking bids for the project.