To Receive $5.5 Million In AIP Grants For Infrastructure And Safety Improvements

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) along with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) recently announced that Essex County Airport in Fairfield and Morristown Municipal Airport have been awarded a combined $5,500,000 from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to make needed infrastructure and safety upgrades.

“This federal funding will enable our local airports to make needed improvements to their aging infrastructure, enhance safety for the traveling public and ensure our state’s continued economic competitiveness for years to come,” said Sen. Menendez. “I will continue to push in Washington for more federal investments like these that expand our economy and improve the travel experiences of New Jerseyans and visitors alike.”

“When I was in flight school, I learned the importance of a safe runway and landing approach,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Our airports in Essex and Morris Counties are central hubs in the North Jersey transportation corridor, and this federal funding will improve critical infrastructure and increase safety. We will continue to bring federal tax dollars back to New Jersey.”

Specifically, Essex County Airport has been awarded $3 million in federal funding for runway rehabilitation. Morristown Municipal Airport will receive $2.5 million to improve its runway safety area.

Earlier this year, Essex County Airport was awarded $144,900 to remove tree obstructions from the runway. Morristown Municipal Airport was awarded a combined $7.7 million in federal funding for runway safety improvements in separate grants for $7,021,659 in May and $448,341 and $300,000 in June.

(Source: Senator Menendez news release)

FMI: www.menendez.senate.gov