North Carolina airports awarded nearly $13.6M in grants

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The North Carolina Board of Transportation recently approved nearly $13.6 million in state and federal funding for projects at nine North Carolina airports.

The grants are intended to help the airports grow, improve safety, and boost the economy.

The largest award, $4.1 million, was awarded to Statesville Regional Airport. Funds will be used to construct a new aircraft parking apron and car parking lot.

An additional $1.8 million was awarded to the airport for the installation of lights on the eastside parallel taxiway and a new lighting vault.

One of the airport’s tenants flies NASCAR teams and their families to races nationwide. The tenant has grown twice as fast as expected. Completion of the project will be the first step in moving the tenant to a new facility and helping the tenant meet current and future needs.

“This will also open up new land for future tenants who may be looking to locate at our airport, and help us keep pace with growth in the region,” John Ferguson, Statesville Regional Airport’s manager, said. “This will keep good, well-paid jobs here in Statesville and help attract more opportunities in the future.”

The second largest project, $3.5 million, was awarded to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.