WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Susan Collins and Angus King joined Representative Mike Michaud in praising the U.S. Department of Transportation announcement that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved over $3 million for improvements at the Princeton Municipal Airport and the Bangor International Airport.

“These investments in Maine’s airport infrastructure are critical not only to the safety of airport staff and the traveling public, but also to our state’s economy,” said the delegation. “These projects will promote economic activity during construction and help improve our communities’ competitiveness.”

The Princeton Municipal Airport will receive a $509,400 grant that will be used to create a new taxiway for planes to access the main runway. The new taxiway will increase safety by allowing pilots to see both ends of the runway before pulling their planes onto it.

The Bangor International Airport received two grants.

A grant in the amount of $747,007 will be used for the rehabilitation of the runway subsurface drainage system on the aircraft parking apron. This grant will provide funding for the design phase of the project. The grant also funds upgraded LED in-pavement runway guard lights to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions.

The other grant for $1,876,849 will be used to enclose an existing drainage canal that attracts wildlife. Enclosing the drainage canal near the helicopter pad is a recommendation from the airport’s Wildlife Hazard Assessment.

“The city and the airport appreciate the support of Maine’s congressional delegation,” said airport director Anthony Caruso. “These important projects will improve safety on the airfield and have been identified on the airport’s FAA approved five-year Capital Improvement Plan. We look forward to completing these projects by early fall.”

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