DOT grants: $12 million for improvements at three Virginia airports

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced today that airports in Richmond, Norfolk and Emporia/Greensville will receive nearly $12 million in funds from the Department of Transportation (DOT)’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to rehabilitate existing taxiways, improve the safety of pavement conditions, and renovate facilities.

“Our airports must continue to ensure they can maintain the proper safety standards while also maintaining modern facilities and amenities for passengers and employees,” said Sen. Warner. “This funding will help these Virginia airports meet their ongoing infrastructure needs and provide the best possible service to the passengers who use them.”

Projects and amounts are listed below:

• Richmond International – $4,002,106. This project will fund the design and construction for rehabilitation of Taxiways E  (3,200 feet) and L (3,000 feet) pavements that have reached the end of their useful lives. The grant will provide for the first of two construction phases for Taxiway L.
• Norfolk International –$6,212,500. This project will fund a Pavement Management Program Study to establish current airfield pavement conditions and develop a cost-effective program to maintain the airfield pavement in a safe and serviceable condition. The grant will also fund the renovation of the public lobby space and lighting to meet current standards and meet passenger needs. In addition, it will fund the acquisition of three replacement brooms and one replacement blower to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods and aid in the efficiency and safety of operations. This is phase 2 of a 4 phase project.
• Emporia-Greensville Regional—$1,430,809. This project will fund the construction phase of a 2,000 foot taxiway extension to provide a parallel taxiway for Runway 16/34 and allow the airport to meet operational needs.

Last week, Sen. Warner also announced more than $1 million in federal funding to improve passenger screening and security at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in Newport News ($1.1 million) and at Louisa County’s Freeman Field ($80,000).