McCarthy Announces Grant for Inyokern Airport

Press Release

Today, Congressman Kevin McCarthy announced that Inyokern Airport in Inyokern, California was awarded an $11 million Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for runway enhancements. This grant award includes a $1 million contribution of funds appropriated under the CARES Act, which covers the local match portion that is generally required to secure AIP grants, freeing up funds for the airport to pursue other priorities.

"As our country continues to meet the challenges of coronavirus, it is excellent news that Inyokern Airport, which provides critical support to the Indian Wells Valley, will receive funds for long-awaited runway improvements," said McCarthy. "Runway 2-20 is essential to Inyokern Airport's operations, but last year's 7.1 magnitude earthquake has unfortunately threatened its future public use. This grant will help bolster this facility, thereby keeping it operational while continuing to ensure the safety of all visitors. I would like to thank U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Chao and Administrator Dickson of the Federal Aviation Administration for prioritizing this critical project. I also appreciate Scott Seymour, General Manager of Inyokern Airport, for his leadership and commitment."

"I am honored to have Congressman McCarthy's help with this project," said Scott Seymour, General Manager of Inyokern Airport. "We have worked very hard since last year's seismic events to make this grant become a reality. This is another step to recovery of the Indian Wells Valley."

Background

The renovation of Runway 2-20 will help strengthen the structural integrity of the runway by removing weakened sections, adding new edge lights and supporting infrastructure, as well as new pavement markings.

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