WASHINGTON – Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has released $4,778,461 in funding for airports across the state of Mississippi.  Funding for the grants, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, was provided through the Fiscal Year 2009 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. 

“These federal dollars will improve transportation infrastructure by providing greater efficiency, security, and safety at our local airports,” Sen. Wicker said.  “In the process, this investment will help Mississippi remain economically competitive in the future.” 
 
Funds have been awarded to the following airports: 

• Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport: $2,213,489 for the construction of covered walkway from the parking area to the terminal building.  The project also includes funding for tree removal, which will provide a clear, unobstructed approach to the runway and a pavement condition study.    
• Calhoun County Airport: $142,759 to install perimeter fencing.  The fence will help prevent deer from gaining access to the airfield.
• City of Carthage–Leake County Airport:  $994,860 to rehabilitate, widen, and replace the lighting system of the runway.   
• City of Meridian – Key Field: $865,713 to install a wildlife perimeter fence around the airport.  The project also includes funding for tree removal, which will provide a clear, unobstructed approach to the runway.  
• City of New Albany – Union County Airport:  $121,031 for the construction of hanger taxiways.  The taxiways will provide access between the airfield and future hangar area.   
• City of Newton –  James H. Easom Field:  $144,721 to replace the runway edge lighting system, rehabilitate the airport access road and construct a vehicle parking area.
• Okolona Municipal Airport – Richard Stovall Field:  $69,586 for the construction of a t-hanger taxiway.  The taxiway will provide aircraft access between hangars and the airfield.
• Greenville - Mid Delta Regional Airport:  $166,121 for security enhancements.
• Ripley Airport:  $60,181 for the construction of a fuel farm.  The new fuel farm will result in increased fuel sales which will generate additional revenue for the airport.