The Columbus-Lowndes Airport and George M. Bryan Field in Starkville are two of the more than 30 state airport facilities getting grants from an $8.6 million federal Airport Improvement Program.
U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker reported the grants were awarded Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
AIP grants awarded to Mississippi will be used to support infrastructure development projects that will improve operational safety and efficiency at local airport facilities.
The Columbus-Lowndes County Airport was awarded $86,903 for airport fuel service improvements, as well as runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
George M. Bryan Field Airport was awarded $216,447 for land acquisition for approaches and drainage improvements.
“These grants, large and small, will advance safety and overall efficiency at local airport facilities. In doing so, these projects will help our counties and cities offer aviation services that are important for expanding economic development,” Cochran said.
“This grant funding will help strengthen Mississippi”s aviation infrastructure and improve safety at our local airports,” said Wicker. “It is critical that our airports operate safely and efficiently so they can continue to help keep passengers and commerce moving across our state.”
The grants derive from funding Congress approved in the FY2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
The Federal Aviation Administration oversees the AIP grant distribution. Earlier this month, 11 Mississippi communities received AIP grants totaling more than $2.3 million.
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