Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd and Congressman Nick Rahall announced today that Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg will receive $5,040,000 in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These grants will enable the airport to make essential runway improvements and conduct an aeronautical survey to upgrade existing radar systems to a GPS based Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). 

“This airport is a critical transportation hub for Greenbrier Valley and the surrounding areas. We have a responsibility to make sure that they have the most current and reliable technology,” said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee. “Grants like these to small community airports are absolutely necessary to maintaining service to West Virginia and keeping our businesses and tourism thriving.” 

"Air travel is an essential component of the transportation network in our state, and Greenbrier County Airport is a vital part of that network," Byrd said. “These funds will help ensure the safety of those who use the airport and expand opportunities there for the long-term.” 

“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. 

As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Byrd has worked to provide needed funding for the FAA programs that award these grants.