WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King today announced that six Maine airports have been awarded federal grants from the Federal Aviation Administration totaling more than $1.8 million to be used for general improvements and safety enhancements.

“Maine's large geographic area makes air travel an important transportation option that connects towns and cities across the state,” said Senator King. “Maine's small airports play a vital role in supporting local businesses, especially in the state's more rural regions. This funding will help make necessary improvements and maintain a safe operational environment at our airports.”

The awards and recipients are as follows:

• The Newton Field Airport in Jackman will receive $1,225,170 for the creation of additional space for aircraft parking and the construction of a six unit T-Hangar building.

• The Brunswick Executive Airport will receive $181,350 for the construction of a snow removal equipment building that will prolong the life of the equipment by protecting it from adverse weather conditions, and $73,800 to help fund the design phase of an airport drainage improvement project.

• The Waterville Robert Lafleur Airport will receive $234,900 to reconstruct the existing runway that has reached the end of its useful life.

• The Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland will receive $153,000 to fund the construction of a service road, which will improve safety and efficiency of operations.

• The Belfast Municipal Airport will receive $34,740 to update the Airport Master Plan Study consisting of a forecast and critical aircraft analysis.

• The Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle will receive $25,000 for crack repairs to the runway, which will preserve the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize debris in the path of airplanes that are taking off or landing.

###