New Hampshire Congressional Delegation Announces More than $6 Million in Federal Grants for New Hampshire Airports
**Federal Grants Will Support Improvement Projects at Airports Throughout the State to Improve Efficiency and Safety for the Flying Public**
WASHINGTON – Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter and Annie Kuster today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded more than $6 million in federal grants to support New Hampshire’s transportation infrastructure.
The FAA awarded $2.1 million to fund a taxiway at Concord Municipal Airport, $1.4 million for a taxiway at Laconia Municipal Airport, and nearly $200,000 for the Manchester Airport to update the Airport Master Plan Study to address key issues, objectives, and goals pertinent to the future development of the airport. In addition, the Manchester Airport received $1.15 million to remove obstructions on Runway 35, and Pease Development Authority received a $1.6 million grant to expand the terminal building to 67,000 square feet to enable more efficient movement of passengers and baggage.
“As an international tourist destination, airports are critical to New Hampshire’s economy, and I am very pleased to see this substantial federal investment in airports across our state,” said Senator Shaheen. “These federal grants will extend and rehabilitate taxiways, remove runway obstructions, expand terminals and provide overall infrastructure investments that will serve Granite Staters on the Seacoast and in Manchester, Laconia and Concord, as well as the many tourists from all over the world who travel to see New Hampshire’s natural beauty each year. I will continue to advocate for federal investments to ensure New Hampshire has safe and updated travel infrastructure.”
“This federal funding to improve airports across New Hampshire is critical to meeting the needs of our people, businesses, and economy,” said Senator Hassan, a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the FAA. “I will keep working to strengthen our transportation infrastructure to help our people and economy thrive.”
“New Hampshire’s airports generate approximately $2.3 billion in economic activity every year, supporting businesses and communities across our state,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. “I am pleased the Department of Transportation continues to recognize these critical gateways to the Granite State. The federal government plays an important role in financing roads, airports, and critical infrastructure; we need to expand these types of federal investments to create jobs and generate economic growth.”
“Our aviation infrastructure is a critical component of New Hampshire’s economy,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Ensuring that our airport facilities are safe and ready for business will help us continue to drive economic growth and maintain New Hampshire as the envy of the region. I’m pleased that airports across the state are receiving this important funding.”
