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Graves Announces Funding for North Missouri Airports

May 9, 2019

Bowling Green, Memphis, Tarkio airports to receive Airport Improvement Program grants

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06), has announced that three airports in North Missouri will receive federal money through the Airport Improvement Program. Graves received notification today from U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao that rural airports in Bowling Green, Memphis and Tarkio will be receiving money to make a variety of improvements including runway rehabilitation and apron construction.

"The Airport Improvement Program is vital to the continued existence of rural airports, but hadn't seen an increase in funding in 10 years. That's why I pushed to include additional funding for small airports in last year's FAA Reauthorization bill," said Rep. Graves.

"As a pilot, safety is my number one concern and the AIP program makes it possible for these airports to properly maintain critical infrastructure. Rural airports contribute to the economic viability of our communities and ensure their continued success which is why I'm pleased to see several airports in my district receive this much-needed funding."

As a result of Graves' efforts, an additional $1 billion in AIP funding was included in last year's FAA Reauthorization Bill specifically for small airports. Graves also included an amendment in H.R. 1108, the Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2019, which recently passed out of the Transportation Committee to increase funding that provides for $650 million per year in additional funds to the program. The Airport Improvement Program is funded through aviation fuel tax dollars.

"The Department has been investing heavily in our nation's airport infrastructure, which will strengthen economic growth and create jobs in communities across the country," said Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Background:

The Airport Improvement Program (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 (NPIAS).

More info can be found online at https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/

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