WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) – Upgrades to Virginia’s airlines are set to take flight. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) alongside Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) have announced the approval of federal funding to support infrastructure improvements at seven airports across Virginia, including two in Hampton Roads.
The funding of over $5 million is an extension of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law.
The AIG grant program was initiated in 2022 and is projected to provide close to $15 billion in funding for airport infrastructure within the US by 2027.
“Investing in our airports means investing in safety, connectivity, and economic opportunity for communities across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to support these improvements that will help ensure Virginia’s airports continue to serve travelers and local economies for years to come.”
Two airports in Hampton Roads will benefit from this funding.
The City of Suffolk will receive $730,000 to expand the terminal apron at Suffolk Executive Airport to allow for a wider variety of aircrafts to air and land.
The City of Chesapeake will receive $661,200 to remove trees that obstruct operations at the Chesapeake Regional Airport. This operation will be managed by the Chesapeake Airport Authority.
Both senators have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports, as they have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This initiative is the follow through of plans that were made at the beginning of the year. This past January, Kaine and Warner announced over $12 million for improvements to Virginia’s airports.
In September of last year, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. While last October, they announced nearly $57 million in federal funding for revitalizations efforts.
With more federal funding, the future of commercial flight in Hampton Roads looks bright.