Virginia airports are set to receive a significant boost with over $44 million in federal funding allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Fiscal Year 2023 Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
The funding will be used to enhance airport infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.
US Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia expressed their satisfaction with the funding, emphasizing the importance of local airports for travel within the Commonwealth.
The investments are expected to improve safety and efficiency for travelers.
The distribution of funds covers various airports across the state, with Norfolk International, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport being among the recipients.
Projects range from runway rehabilitation and lighting reconstruction to safety area extensions and environmental assessments.
This latest allocation follows previous funding in June 2023 and earlier this year under the AIP and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, demonstrating the federal government’s ongoing commitment to supporting airport infrastructure improvements in Virginia
The breakdown of the funding distribution includes:
- Norfolk International: $13,670,853 for runway rehabilitation.
- Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport: $7,572,150 for runway rehabilitation.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): $7,384,892 for runway reconstruction and lighting rehabilitation.
- Richmond International Airport: $5,553,842 for runway reconfiguration.
- Blue Ridge Airport: $4,718,069 for taxiway reconfiguration and runway extension.
- Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport/Woodrum Field: $4,000,000 for safety area construction, improvement, or extension.
- Richmond Executive Airport/Chesterfield County: $658,200 for runway extension.
- Virginia Highlands Airport: $423,000 for runway lighting rehabilitation.
- Front Royal-Warren County Airport: $325,000 for an airport-related environmental assessment.
- Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport: $300,000 to update the Airport Master Plan.
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Virginia Airports Thrive with Ongoing Federal Investment in Infrastructure and Connectivity
This latest funding injection follows a previous award of $4.2 million in June 2023 through the AIP and an additional $2.4 million in federal funding earlier this year under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The continuous investment underscores the federal government’s commitment to enhancing airport infrastructure and promoting safer and more efficient air travel in Virginia.
The planned projects will contribute significantly to the growth and development of the state’s aviation facilities, benefitting both local travelers and the broader aviation industry.
As the upgrades take shape, Virginia’s airports are expected to become even more essential transportation hubs, fostering economic development and strengthening connectivity within the Commonwealth and beyond.
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Source: Augusta Free Press