Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd and Congressman Nick Rahall announced today that Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg will receive an additional $2,065,394 in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This funding will enable the airport to continue to make essential runway improvements and carry on with an aeronautical survey to upgrade existing radar systems to a GPS based Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).

In April of this year Rockefeller, Byrd, and Rahall announced that the Greenbrier Valley Airport had received $5,040,000 to begin upgrades. Today’s award brings the total amount of federal funding for the projects to $7,105,394. 

“This is incredibly great news for the Greenbrier Valley and the surrounding areas. This airport is a hugely important transportation hub that keeps people connected with our state and the rest of the nation,” said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. “Grants like this are absolutely essential to maintaining West Virginia’s air service. Modern radar systems and better runways are the foundation for keeping planes, passengers, and commerce flowing safely and efficiently.” 

“This announcement is welcome news for the residents of Greenbrier County,” Rahall said. “Airports are vital economic engines for our state, which must be kept in top-notch condition.  With federal investment for these airports once again on the budgetary chopping block, I will continue to fight, along with West Virginia’s distinguished Senators, Byrd and Rockefeller, for every penny to keep our airports running as safely and efficiently as possible.” 

The airport’s grant was awarded through the Air Improvement Program (AIP), which provides significant funding to local airports, helping them modernize the air traffic control system and expand airport runways and other facilities.  Senator Rockefeller was instrumental in securing a substantial annual increase in the AIP funding.

Currently, Rockefeller is fighting for FAA reauthorization which would protect programs and grants serving West Virginia’s small community airports from the Administration’s proposed cuts.