Rockefeller, Manchin Announce Almost $6.3 Million for Yeager Airport Improvements

Statement

Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin announced that Yeager Airport in Charleston will receive almost $6.3 million in federal funding for airport runway improvements to help keep the airport safe and running smoothly, which is especially vital in the wake of last week's storm.

"Making sure West Virginia's airports are as effective and safe as possible is absolutely essential," said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. "Our airports provide a lifeline for communities, residents, and businesses, and they're huge assets to boosting the state's economy. Particularly as West Virginia is working to recover from the devastating storm, we must make sure our airports are updated and can make it possible for resources to get to the state quickly and efficiently. I have always fought to make sure our airports and airport professionals have the resources they need to provide the most up-to-date, reliable transportation available."

"I am so pleased that West Virginia is receiving these critical funds to make important infrastructure improvements," said Manchin. "Investing in our infrastructure is one of the best ways we can create jobs and help our economy grow. It just makes good common sense."

The grant was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Background

AIP was established by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 in order to provide grants for the planning, development, and improvement of public-use airports. These grants are highly sought after, and the FAA bases distribution of these funds on current national objectives and priorities. The grant money can be used for a variety of projects, including runways, airfield lighting, weather observation stations, land acquisition, and environmental studies.

Source