WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced that the Department of Transportation has released $5.4 million for the Tupelo Regional Airport.  Funding for the grant, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, was provided through the Fiscal Year 2008 Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. 

Senator Cochran said: “Tupelo is the hub of economic activity for Northeast Mississippi.  The city and the surrounding area are growing and it is important that the quality of the airport stays in step with progress in the region.  This funding will enable the airport’s runway to better service the passengers that travel in and out on a daily basis and the new industries, such as Toyota, that rely on timely delivery of materials.”  

Senator Wicker said: “Improving transportation infrastructure is a key factor to ensuring Northeast Mississippi continues growing economically and creating good jobs.  As the area prepares for the Toyota plant and other future commercial activity, these federal funds will allow the airport to grow and meet the needs of the community and the region.”

This project will rehabilitate the existing runway by expanding it from 100 feet to 150 feet wide. The wider runway will accommodate larger aircraft whose design standards require a 150 foot wide runway.  The project will also ensure future development will meet federal aviation design standards as the airport grows in the future.

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