Miss. Congressional Delegation Announces $7.54 Million For Airport Improvements

Press Release

Members of the Mississippi congressional delegation today announced 42 grants worth more than $7.54 million for infrastructure and safety improvements at local airports throughout the state.

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Representatives Gregg Harper, R-Miss., Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., and Trent Kelly, R-Miss., said the Airport Improvement Program grants are being provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The grant funding is drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes and other, similar revenue sources.

"Mississippi's local airports connect our communities to the wider world with fast, efficient transportation," Wicker said. "These awards are an important investment in the state's economic development and represent a renewed commitment to safety and security."

"Municipal and general aviation airports in Mississippi use these FAA grants to maintain and improve their operations, which is important for supporting commerce, tourism, and emergency needs," Cochran said. "I'm pleased these resources are being directed to communities across Mississippi."

"Providing a safe and efficient means of transportation for both travel and commerce is vital to economic growth throughout Mississippi," stated Harper. "These grants will help to maintain the vital infrastructure of our airports and keep these gateways to Mississippi open and accessible to all."

"Industries in rural areas throughout Mississippi rely heavily on municipal airports to support their operations, and these grant awards ensure those airports remain safe and available. It is a great example of a sound federal investment in our local communities," Palazzo said.

"Maintaining infrastructure at airports in the First District and across the state is a constant challenge for cities and counties," Kelly said. "The FAA grants will help support the important role these airports play in the communities they serve."

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