Future state transportation projects, particularly on the H-1 freeway and Kalaeloa Airport, give contractors hope for more work.

A $7 million, 10-bay hangar for general aviation aircraft is under construction and expected to be completed sometime this year. In two weeks the state Department of Transportation will put out a bid to construct a fuel storage supply at the airport, said agency Director Brennan Morioka.

Morioka outlined future projects to businesses and contractors yesterday at a West Oahu Economic Development Association annual membership meeting at the J.W. Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina.

Other projects included plans for a west harbor utilities infrastructure and a new dedicated fuel pier at Kalaeloa Harbor.

“;Our industry is deeply depressed right now. I haven't seen too much stimulus money come down for projects,”; said Marty Miller, executive vice president for Delta Construction.

Honolulu saw a 14.1 percent drop in construction jobs last year, but economists are expecting jobs to fall only by 7 percent this year.

The director also pointed to a number of freeway projects to improve traffic, including a $75 million P.M. contra-flow lane with median barrier for the H-1 freeway in the Pearl City viaduct, and a $100 million expansion at the Middle Street merge.

“;With $130 million in federal funds annually, that tells you what we're doing in terms of sacrificing,”; said Morioka, adding that smaller neighbor island projects will be delayed as a result.

Jo Bautista, who does business development for Ace Land Surveying LLC, said she was encouraged by the number of projects planned, and that spending large chunks of federal money for bigger projects would be good for the economy.

“;That means a lot of jobs for the construction industry,”; said Bautista. “;On top of that, our roads need it. ... I think it's going to be good for the state.”;