U. S. Transportation Secretary LaHood announces $7.1 million grant for Venice Municipal Airport

U. S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $7.1 million dollar grant to Venice Municipal Airport in Venice, Fla. for runway repairs, runway safety area upgrades and taxiway construction.

“Safety is our highest priority,” Secretary LaHood said, “This grant will help enhance airport safety for the traveling public.”

The grant will allow the airport to reconstruct Runway 4/22 and allow for improvement of the runway safety area to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. The taxiway project will provide the recommended separation between the runway and taxiway.

“These enhancements are important to the continued safe and efficient operation of the airport,” said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for airport improvement projects. These projects are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity, and environmental stewardship of our nation’s airports. More than 3,300 airports are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations, and general aviation activities throughout the nation.