Preliminary construction of a new runway is underway at the New Castle-Henry County Municipal Airport southwest of New Castle. The first phase of the nearly $9 million project involves grading and drainage work on the western half of the project area. Crews from Boyd & Son Construction of Washington, Ind., have been hired for this part of the effort. A longer, wider runway is needed to accomodate small jets and large propeller-powered aircraft which local leaders have said is important for economic development