U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) announced today that the Bluefield/Mercer County Airport has received a $1.35 million-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve the airport's runway safety area and terminal building.

The funds will be used to construct a fuel farm, which is needed to replace the existing fuel farm which has exceeded its useful life; to finance the airside needs of the airport; to renovate the interior of the terminal building and remove asbestos; and to bring the runway safety area into compliance with the FAA design criteria.

"This grant is great news for the entire region that is served by the Bluefield/Mercer County Airport," Rahall said. "This airport is a vital regional link to our national transportation system and promotes business development in southern West Virginia's communities. With federal investment for rural airports constantly under attack by Republicans in Washington, we need every penny we can get to ensure that our airports in rural communities run efficiently. The grant I am announcing today goes a long way toward meeting that goal."

The administration's budget cuts $77 million from the authorized level for the Essential Air Service program. In addition, the Administration's proposal would require communities to pay a local contribution. If all existing communities paid the local contribution and continued to participate in the program, more than 60 communities would be eliminated. West Virginia EAS communities include Beckley, Greenbrier County and Princeton/Bluefield.

"I will fight, as I have in the past, to fund the EAS program at its authorized level and to help rural communities across the country keep their airports," Rahall said. "I congratulate Bluefield/Mercer Airport on its award and thank all of those involved in the day-to-day operations for their contributions to the economy of southern West Virginia."

Randall Earnest, manager at Bluefield/Mercer County Airport thanked Congressman Rahall for his support and said the grant will pay dividends for years to come.

"Congressman Rahall has been behind us 100 percent and we appreciate the Congresman's support here in Mercer County," Earnest said. "This federal investment provided by this grant will keep our airport viable and get us in shape for years to come."