Untitled Document

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

January 23, 2004

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Secures $1.7 Million for Harnett County Airport

RALEIGH - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today announced that he has secured $1.7 million in federal funds for Harnett County's airport. Etheridge announced that $1 million is slated for phase 2 of the runway extension and $700,000 is provided for a new instrument landing system.

"This is great news for Harnett County!" Etheridge said. "These federal funds will improve our airport and make it safer for pilots. These improvements are the next step to help attract new business to Harnett County and give a big boost to our local economy. Local leaders and I have been working in partnership for several years on our economic development plans, and I will continue to work to provide federal support for those efforts."

The $700,000 for the instrument landing system will equip the airport with a ground-based radio system designed that provides pilots with precise guidance for the final approach in landing, helping them to land more safely.

In April 2003, Etheridge made the Harnett County Airport projects two of his top priorities in his appropriations request. Federal funding for these projects was secured as part of the FY04 Omnibus Appropriations bill that passed the House of Representatives before Congress adjourned in December. The bill received final approval from the U.S. Senate yesterday. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.

This is the second phase of federal funds that Etheridge has secured for the Harnett County Airport. In 2001, he secured $3.1 million to enlarge and upgrade the airport.