The West Virginia Aeronautics Commission (WVAC) recently awarded $388,203 in grant funding to airports statewide.
The funding opens up access to more than $6 million in additional funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
North Central West Virginia Airport and Yeager Airport in Charleston also received grants from special revenue from the Aviation Fuel Tax. These grants provide a portion of the local match needed for FAA grants.
North Central West Virginia Airport received $53,958 for the extension and renovation of a de-icing system. Yeager Airport received $334,245 to provide security improvements, rebuild the runway safety area, and improve energy efficiency.
“I’ve said over and over that our airports in West Virginia are our lifeblood,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “They are right up there with our schools as the very top things driving growth in our local communities, and that’s why it’s so important to dedicate every dollar we possibly can to make sure they are the top-of-the-line facilities we need them to be.”
Thursday was Aviation Day in West Virginia. Justice commemorated the day by hosting a ceremony in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol Building.
The WVAC and the West Virginia Airport Managers’ Association also hosted an event at the capitol.