October 23, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Funding for West Virginia Airports

Funding to Benefit Kanawha, Randolph and Wayne Counties

WASHINGTON D.C.— Senator Joe Manchin, along with Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-WV), today announced more than $8.9 million in federal funding awards for airport improvements in Kanawha, Randolph and Wayne Counties.

“Having reliable, safe and innovative infrastructure and equipment at our airports helps us attract business opportunities that drive economic development while keeping travelers safe,” Manchin said. “I am committed to making West Virginia a more competitive place to work and do business, and I am truly pleased that our airports will have the opportunity to make vital improvements with these funds.”  

“The ongoing funding from the FAA that invests in our local airports’ overall efficiency and safety is critically important to keeping our local airports up-to-date and open for business,” said Rockefeller. “Together, these awards will provide for significant improvements to West Virginia’s airports, which is good news for passengers and for West Virginia’s economy.”

“Tri-State Airport continues to plan for the long-range.  That is a sound investment as these federal funds will compliment the Airport’s master plan,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has jurisdiction over the FAA. “Planning that saves tax dollars in the long run, not only greatly improves the taxpayers’ bottom line, but with the current federal budget tightening, makes our bid for federal dollars more competitive.”

The $8,940,885 in funding comes from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which Rockefeller oversees as Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The funding awards include:

  • $7,623,540 – Yeager Airport – Charleston, W. Va.: The Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority will receive $7,423,540 to make updates to a runway at Yeager Airport, including removing terrain obstructions and constructing three storm water sedimentation ponds, pipe crossings, overflow protection, and related diversion channels. Yeager Airport will also receive $200,000 to help establish and implement the airport’s sustainability plan.
  • $1,067,345 – Elkins-Randolph County-Jennings Randolph Field Airport – Elkins, W. Va.: The Elkins-Randolph County Airport Authority will use the funding to rehabilitate taxiways and taxi lanes at the Elkins-Randolph County-Jennings Randolph Field Airport.
  • $250,000 – Tri-State/Milton J. Ferguson Field Airport – Huntington, W. Va.: The Tri-State Airport Authority will use the funding to establish and implement the airport’s sustainability plan.

 

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