WASHINGTON – Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced that the Department of Transportation has released nearly $1.9 million for airports across the state of Mississippi.  Funding for the grants, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, was provided through the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. 

“Mississippi’s rural airports are critical to ensuring economic prosperity throughout our state,” Senator Cochran said.  “These facilities give Mississippi businesspeople and recreational pilots local options when they fly.  I am pleased that the Federal Aviation Administration has recognized the needs at these airports.”

“Local airports are an asset to both large and rural communities in Mississippi,” Senator Wicker added.  “These federal funds will improve airport safety and efficiency while helping our state remain economically competitive.”

Funds have been awarded to the following airports:

• Meridian Airport Authority:  $565,076 for construction of a hangar access road, rehabilitating the general aviation apron, and construction of a parallel taxiway.
• City of Winona and Montgomery County:  $354,018 to construct a parallel taxiway.  The runway was recently extended with federal funds and this project completes the planned parallel taxiway which will alleviate the need for aircraft to taxi on the runway.
• Water Valley Airport Board:  $208,240 to install perimeter fencing around the airport.  The fence will prevent unauthorized entry on the airfield and will enhance safety. 
• City of New Albany and Union County:  $113,213 to construct a new taxiway.  This project consists of site preparation for the construction of T-hangar taxiways.  The taxiways will provide access between T-hangars and the airfield for pilots. 
• Houston, MS:  $128,250 for rehabilitation of a city owned hangar.  The hangar’s sliding door and roof will be replaced. 
• Louisville, MS:  $152,950 to acquire tracts of land for the runway safety area.   
• Calhoun County:  $191,872 for improving the fuel farm.  The improvements will provide better fueling capabilities at the airport and will enhance safety. 
• Prentiss County:  $25,000 to improving the fuel farm.  The improvements will provide better fueling capabilities at the airport and will enhance safety.
• Okolona, MS:  $150,000 for installing a fuel farm.

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