U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood announces $3.4 million grant for Lakeland Linder Regional Airport

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $3.4 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to rehabilitate and extend two taxiways at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla.

“This money will improve Lakeland Linder’s infrastructure and will keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently through Florida,” Secretary LaHood said. “Investing in our nation’s airports promotes economic growth.”

The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will pay for improvements to two taxiways. It also will rehabilitate a section of Taxiway F and extend Taxiway B into a full-length parallel taxiway for Runway 5/23. Construction will begin in November 2012 and will take approximately four months to complete.

“Grants such as this are an important part of the FAA’s commitment to providing the safest and most efficient air transportation system,” said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

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 nationally are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations, and general aviation activities.