WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps announced today federal grants totaling $1 million for transportation and public safety projects at the Santa Maria Public Airport.  The federal grants will be used to extend the runway and enhance the safety of the Santa Maria Public Airport.

“These transportation and public safety projects will be a tremendous asset to the Santa Maria community,” said Capps.  “The extension of the airport runway and enhancement of the airport security system will help maintain the high quality of service at the Santa Maria Public Airport while providing an excellent opportunity for future growth.”

“The Santa Maria Public Airport graciously accepts a $1 million dollar Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant, said Gary Rice, Airport Manager for the Santa Maria Public Airport.  “We appreciate Congresswoman Lois Capps for her continued support of the Santa Maria Public Airport.  A portion of this grant will fund enhancement of the airport security system to meet Transportation Security Administration requirements.  Another portion pays for engineering design services for the extension of the airport’s primary runway to over 8,000 feet making it the longest runway for a commercial airport on California’s Central Coast.  The Airport Board is pleased to make Santa Maria’s Airport one of the safest airports in the Country and in conjunction with its newly established U.S. Customs operation able to accommodate international jet operations desiring destinations in the Far East and Europe.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.