WASHINGTON – Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has released more than $2.3 million in grant funding for airports across the state of Mississippi.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration, were provided through the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.  AIP grants are used to support infrastructure development projects that will improve operational safety and efficiency at local airport facilities.

“Airport Improvement Program grants allow Mississippi communities to make the safety upgrades they need to maintain airport facilities.  These facilities are often important to economic development efforts, so I am pleased to see these resources being directed to our state,” said Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“These federal dollars are a good investment in our state’s aviation infrastructure, and they will provide greater operational safety at our local airports,” said Wicker. “These improvements will also strengthen Mississippi’s economy by keeping our airports, which are key commercial hubs, operating efficiently and competitively.”
 
AIP grants have been awarded to the following airports:
 
• City of Columbia and Marion County – Columbia-Marion County Airport: $110,790 for the construction of a new taxiway to accommodate present and future needs and to provide access to new hangars. The grant will begin installation of a precision approach path indicator system to aid navigation and enhance operational safety. It will also provide funding for a perimeter fence to keep wildlife off the runway.
• City of Hattiesburg – Hattiesburg Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport: $108,659 to install a new taxiway lighting system to enhance safety and operations through improved visibility. The grant also includes funding to improve drainage, reducing and preventing erosion problems.
• Yazoo County – Yazoo County Airport:  $76,931 to install an apron lighting system, which will enhance safety and operations through improved visibility.   
• Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Authority: $720,100 to install a new taxiway lighting system to enhance safety and operations through improved visibility. The grant will also fund the installation of a new emergency generator to ensure continued airport operations when commercial power is unavailable. Funding will also be provided for rehabilitation and maintenance on Taxiway B.
• City of Poplarville – Poplarville-Pearl River County Airport: $283,053 to expand the airport’s apron area and to install an apron lighting system. The grant also provides funds for the construction of a terminal building.
• City of Grenada – Grenada Municipal Airport:  $343,155 to seal coat the primary runway, extending the life of the pavement surface.
• City of Indianola – Indianola Municipal Airport:  $121,222 for the construction of two new hangars at the airport. These additional hangars will be used to store aircraft.
• City of Lexington – C.A. Moore Airport:  $221,275 for construction of a new taxiway at the airport. The grant will also fund construction of two new hangars to provide additional aircraft storage.
• City of Belzoni – Belzoni Municipal Airport:  $101,013 for the installation of a precision approach path indicator system to aid navigation and enhance operational safety. The grant will provide funds for the installation of a water and wastewater system to serve airport facilities. Also included is funding to replace the entrance gate, which will enhance the overall safety of the airport.
• Cities of Ruleville and Drew and Sunflower County – Ruleville-Drew Airport:  $88,997 to rehabilitate the airport beacon, which will improve visibility of the airport for approaching aircraft. The grant will also fund installation of a water system, which will serve the public facilities at the airport.
• City of Greenwood and Leflore County – Greenwood-Leflore Airport:  $204,117 for infrastructure rehabilitation and repairs, including the existing apron. The grant also includes funding to improve drainage, reducing and preventing erosion problems.

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