The Southern Vermont Regional in Rutland has received $30,000 for aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment. VTrans file photo.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) has been awarded more than $850,000 from the US Department of Transportation in airport safety and infrastructure grants for four State airports. The federal funding is intended to keep the nation’s airports in a state of good repair and make air travel a better experience for passengers.
In a joint comment, Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I), and Representative Peter Welch (D) said, “These federal investments in Vermont’s state owned airports will improve safety and enhance their economic potential. Consistent capital investment is needed to ensure that these community assets continue to be well maintained, and we are pleased to see these funds from the FAA put to good use here in Vermont.”
The grants, totaling $856,950, are a part of the Agency’s annual request to the Federal Aviation Administration. VTrans applied for nine grants and has received the following four:
- State of Vermont – $270,000 to seal airport pavement at airports throughout the state
- Middlebury State Airport – $346,950 to remove obstructions in the approaches to Runway 1/19
- Edward F Knapp State Airport, Barre – $210,000 to update the airport master plan
- Southern Vermont Regional in Rutland – $30,000 for aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment
“These improvements will continue to promote safe air travel for Vermonters and support the businesses who depend on these hubs,” said Governor Phil Scott. “We’re grateful to our congressional delegation for their commitment to Vermont’s airports and their work in securing this funding.”
“We are fortunate and proud to have so many vibrant airports around the state,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn. “These federal grants will go a long way to support our vital aviation infrastructure.”
Source: Barre, Vt. – VTrans 2.20.2020