THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR JAY ROCKEFELLER.

Washington, DC – Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd announced today that Yeager Airport in Charleston will receive $664,811 in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The grant will allow the airport to continue with its planned extension of Taxiway A so that it can be extended to the east end of Runway 5/23.

“Airports are the backbone of every local economy and gateways for new business and new jobs,” said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. “This grant will help Yeager Airport repair its runway and make other necessary upgrades, making air travel safer for our residents and visitors.”

“Air travel is an essential component of the transportation network in our state, and Yeager Airport is a vital part of that network,” Byrd said. “These funds will help ensure the safety of those who use the airport and expand opportunities there for the long-term.”

The airport’s grant was awarded through the Air Improvement Program (AIP), which provides significant funding to local airports, helping them modernize the air traffic control system and expand airport runways and other facilities. Senator Rockefeller was instrumental in securing a substantial increase in the AIP reauthorization in 2003 as part of the VISION 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act.

As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Byrd has worked to provide needed funding for the FAA programs that award these grants.

“Senator Rockefeller and I are a team. Whether it be for these airport funds, highway construction, better schools, health care or mine safety, we are working together every day for West Virginia,” Byrd stated.

“Programs serving small community airports, like the AIP, are critical to maintaining service to West Virginia and keeping our airports connected to our country’s aviation system,” Rockefeller continued. “That’s why I’ve fought so hard with Senator Byrd throughout my career in the Senate for a strong aviation sector and improvements to our local airports.”

Senator Rockefeller has authored legislation to ensure the continuation of programs which serve West Virginia’s small community airports, reauthorizing crucial programs like AIP, Essential Air Service (EAS) Program, and the Small Community Air Service Development Program.