FAA Grant For Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Announced Friday

US Rep (R-FL) Vern Buchanan's office announced Friday that the Sarasota Manatee Aviation Authority has received a $3.7 million FAA grant for infrastructure improvements at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will assist in the design of runway improvements, build an airport service road, design and construct taxiway enhancements, and rehabilitate airfield lighting, reported the Bradenton Herald.

AIP provides grants to public agencies, and in some cases to private owners and entities, for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

Eligible projects include those improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. In general, sponsors can use AIP funds on most airfield capital improvements or repairs except those for terminals, hangars, and non-aviation development.

Any professional services that are necessary for eligible projects-such as planning, surveying, and design-are eligible as is runway, taxiway, and apron pavement maintenance are also eligible. Aviation demand at the airport must justify the projects, which must also meet Federal environmental and procurement requirements.

FMI: http://buchanan.house.gov, www.srq-airport.com, www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/aip