Erie-Ottawa, Kelleys Island airports get federal funding

Submitted by FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao recently announced that the Federal Aviation Administration will award $986 million in airport infrastructure grants, the fifth allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program funding for airports across the United States.

“This significant investment in airport improvements in Ohio will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The grants to airports in Ohio include the following awards:

• $155,700 to Barnesville-Bradfield Airport for runway reconstruction and to remove non-hazardous obstructions.
• $408,771 to Richard Downing Airport in Coshocton to install perimeter fencing.
• $216,900 to Columbiana County Airport to acquire snow removal equipment.
• $127,800 to Gallia-Meigs Regional Airport in Gallipolis to conduct an airport study.
• $101,079 to Kelleys Island Land Field to improve airport drainage.
• $3.15 million to Knox County Airport in Mount Vernon for runway rehabilitation.
• $2.87 million to Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton for runway construction and apron expansion.
• $42,210 to Jefferson County Airpark in Steubenville to install weather reporting equipment.
• $2.82 million to Toledo Express Airport for taxiway rehabilitation.
• $366,775 to Toledo Executive Airport for a taxiway extension.
• $1.35 million to Fayette County Airport for taxiway reconstruction and an airport study.
• $448,443 to Fulton County Airport in Wauseon for a snow removal equipment building.
• $97,260 to Pike County Airport in Waverly for runway and apron rehabilitation.
• $644,457 to Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport to install perimeter fencing.
• $5.03 million to Wayne County Airport in Wooster for taxiway construction.
• $1.29 million to Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport for taxiway and apron reconstruction and for runway and taxiway lighting.

The FAA will award grants to 354 airports in 44 states and two territories Micronesia and Puerto Rico. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by these grants will enhance safety and capacity while promoting economic growth in the regions served by each airport.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.