The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) recently awarded more than $6.1 million in Airport Improvement Program grants to 13 airports in 10 counties statewide to make improvements and support airport safety.
Projects include runway rehabilitation, lighting improvements, taxiway construction, and safety and security improvements.
The grants, which leverage state funding and airport contributions, will support more than $6.7 million worth of work. They are funded through NJDOT’s Transportation Trust Fund and Airport Safety Fund.
The state will provide 90 percent of the eligible cost, with the remaining 10 percent covered by the airport owner.
“General aviation airports play a vital role in New Jersey’s multi-modal transportation system, as well as local and state economies,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “These grants ensure our public-use airports continue to operate safely and are maintained in state of good repair.”
Projects were evaluated for various criteria, including rehabilitation of existing facilities and equipment, capital improvements, removing obstructions, and designs that enhance safety.
Since taking office in 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration has invested more than $16.2 million in general aviation airports, leveraging an additional $38.2 million in federal grants and $3.5 million from airport owners.
This brings the total invested in the state’s aeronautics infrastructure and general aviation airports to $57.9 million.