Airport gets $23.5 million in funds

WASHINGTON -- The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport will receive $23.5 million in federal money for four projects at the airport, U.S. Sens. Judd Gregg and John Sununu announced yesterday.

The Federal Aviation Administration will provide $13.5 million to extend the safety area of Runway 6/24, $4.2 million for land acquisition for the safety area, $3.3 million to rehabilitate portions of Runway 17/35, and $2.5 million for noise mitigation in neighborhoods surrounding the airport.

"Manchester Airport serves as an economic engine for New Hampshire and the entire New England region," Gregg said. "Over the past decade, the airport has gone through a tremendous amount of growth and has done an exceptional job providing access and service for travelers.

"These funds will allow for important safety upgrades at Manchester Airport and provide for substantial noise mitigation for residents," he said

Sununu said Manchester Airport is a key component of New Hampshire's transportation system, attracting visitors to the state and linking residents to the rest of the nation.

"As the facility grows in popularity, it is critical that the airport be able to meet passenger demand in the safest manner possible," Sununu said. "These grants will help advance runway construction and rehabilitation initiatives, representing a significant investment in the airport's future. Additionally, resources that aim to help reduce the impact of noise on nearby residences represent welcome news for the airport's neighbors."

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is important for the state's economy, said Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta.

"The runway improvement funding our senators delivered to New Hampshire is critical for the continued safety of the airport; and the $2.5 million for residential sound insulation helps the city address quality of life issues that are so important to our citizens," Guinta said.

Kevin Dillon, director of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, said Senators Gregg and Sununu have long championed the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Washington.

"These new grants will support the completion of two runway safety projects and will allow us to complete sound insulation modifications to homes in neighborhoods adjacent to the airport," he said.

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