Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Grants for Airports in Huntington, Martinsburg & Ravenswood
Funding Will Enable Local Airports to Make Needed Upgrades
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Joe Manchin, as well as Congressman Nick Rahall, today announced that airports in Huntington, Martinsburg, and Ravenswood will receive a total of $1,816,899 in federal funding to make necessary upgrades to these facilities, improving travel and safety at the airports.
“Making sure our airports get the upgrades they need is absolutely important,” said Rockefeller. “This funding will improve safety and operations at the airports. By guaranteeing that our airports are running to the best of their abilities, it enables our residents to travel more easily, helps businesses grow in our communities, and encourages more people to visit our state. I have always fought for West Virginia’s airports as they are a lifeline for so many of our towns. It’s great to see more funding to support these airports.”
“A modern infrastructure is the lifeblood of a 21st century economy,” Senator Manchin said. “Investing in infrastructure is a commonsense way to create good jobs and build the foundation for strong economic growth in the years to come. I’m pleased that these airports will receive critical funding to make needed improvements.”
“This funding will help complete a laundry list of needed upgrades at Tri-State Airport, improving the safety, comfort, and security of passengers and airport personnel,” said Rahall, who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “Federal investments like this help to modernize our transportation hubs to serve our travelling families and businesses with greater efficiency.”
The following airports will receive grants:
- $1,189,548 - Tri-State Airport – Huntington – The funding will facilitate upgrades and improvements to the terminal building. This project includes replacing the terminal heating and air conditioning units, repairing internal walls and floors, making upgrades to meet fire codes and regulations, and repaving of the baggage makeup area. It will also enable the airport to purchase snow removal equipment to help keep the airport operational during bad weather and make sure the airport runs smoothly. The airport will also be able to replace five gate openers to improve security and make sure that only airport personnel and emergency responders are able to access the airfield, which protects the employees and those flying.
- $189,820 - Tri-State Airport – Huntington – The funding will enable an Environmental Assessment to be conducted to evaluate environmental issues related to the proposed drainage improvements that are necessary to adequately handle storm water runoff.
- $72,000 - Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport – Martinsburg – The funding will enable the airport to conduct a study that is needed to reassess the noise model and noise exposure maps.
- $365,531 – Jackson County Airport – Ravenswood – This funding will help the airport build a six unit T-hangar facility which will assist the airport to be more self-sustaining by generating revenue.
The federal funding was made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration.
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