Projects Approved At A Dozen Airports

Twelve Maine airports will collectively receive more than $3.3 million from the FAA's Airport Improvement Grant Program. Bangor International Airport received the largest share of funding at approximately $1.4 million. Grant funds will be used for a wide variety of projects aimed at improving airport infrastructure, safety, efficiency, and traveler experience.

“I applaud the FAA for making these critical investments in Maine’s airports. It will allow airports throughout the state to make much-needed improvements,” said Representative Mike Michaud (D-ME) (pictured). “There is no question that investing in our transportation infrastructure creates jobs. These funds will help to make air travel in Maine more reliable, make our airports more efficient and secure, and improve safety for the traveling public.”

The $1.4 million at Bangor International Airport includes four distinct projects: 

• Rehabilitate Taxiway - $270,000 - This grant will fund the design phase of a project to rehabilitate the existing taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
• Rehabilitate Apron - $80,000 - Rehabilitation of the apron is needed to maintain structural integrity of the pavement. This grant will fund the design phase.
• Modify Terminal Building - $600,000 - This grant will provide funding to replace the public address system in the domestic terminal building that has reached the end of its useful life.
• Install Runway Sensors - $449,346 - This grant will fund the replacement of the runway condition sensor system which has exceeded its useful life.

Northern Maine Regional Airport at Presque Isle will receive $300,000 for the rehabilitation of the runway is needed to maintain structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. This grant will fund crack sealing for the entire runway and pavement markings for the runway, taxiway system, and apron.

Hancock County-Bar Harbor will receive $300,000 for the installation of miscellaneous NAVAIDS and light obstructions. The project will replace obstruction lights and poles that have exceeded their useful life. These obstruction lights are located in the Runway 22 transitional surfaces and provide funding to install wind cones to improve aircraft visual guidance and enhance safety of aircraft movements.

Other projects to receive funding include updated master plan studies for Pittsfield Municipal Airport ($150,000), Belfast Municipal Airport ($138,000) and Caribou Municipal Airport ($150,000). Another $150,000 grant will go to Eastport Municipal for the installation of weather reporting equipment.

FMI: www.faa.gov/airports/aip