By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced Tuesday, July 28 that 41 states and several US territories would receive grants for airport safety and infrastructure improvements totaling $273 million. Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, NJ was awarded $11,235,492 for runway improvements.
“This $273 million federal investment in our nation’s airports will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs, and benefit local communities,” Chao said in a release.
U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2nd) said Millville Municipal Airport in Millville, NJ would receive $1.4 million for improvements to the apron portion of the airport.
“These funds are another big win for South Jersey and our community,” he said. “I will always advocate for smart expenditures in our infrastructure, and these are much-needed investments.”
The grants were part of the federal government’s Airport Improvement Program. An additional $31 million of the award was part of the CARES Act funding for coronavirus relief.
“The safety of our nation’s airports is of paramount importance to the FAA,” FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson said. “These grants will allow these necessary projects to continue.”
“Our airports are hubs for commerce and travel, both domestic and international, and play a major role in our state’s economy,” U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) said. “The economic crisis hit our airports hard, but this funding will allow the airports to make the necessary upgrades and repairs they need to keep their workers and air travelers safe.”
Sen. Cory Booker said the funding would modernize the region’s aging infrastructure, increase safety and reliability, and create jobs that ensure New Jersey’s economic competitiveness.
“New Jersey’s airports are vital means of transportation for countless New Jerseyans and serve as economic drivers for our region, but their ability to operate fully both now and into the future has been threatened by the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
The following New Jersey airports received federal funding:
- Atlantic City International Airport – $11,235,492
Portion from CARES: $718,849
Rehabilitate 10,000 feet of the airport’s runway - Cape May County Airport – $2,755,555
Portion from CARES: $275,555
Rehabilitate 5,000 feet of runway and maintain pavement - Lincoln Park Airport – $328,111
Portion from CARES – $32,811
Remove tree obstructions from runway - Millville Municipal Airport – $1,467,376
Portion from CARES – $146,737
Expand apron to 45,000 square yards to accommodate increased use - Morristown Municipal Airport – $7,984,413
Portion from CARES – $798,441
Improve runway safety area - Newark Liberty International Airport – $4,620,184
Portion from CARES – $1,155,046
Rehabilitate 1,635 feet of taxiway and 6,400 feet of runway - Somerset Airport – $528,000
Portion from CARES – $52,800
Purchase new emergency generator and vehicle with snow plow and blower attachments
