| Funding for Auburn-Lewiston Airport Runway Project Announced |
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| Tuesday, December 22 2009 | |
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Funding would grow airport and help area attract new investment LEWISTON, ME – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud joined with local economic development experts and state and city officials at the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport to announce that the airport will be receiving $500,000 for an expansion of its runway. Michaud worked to secure the funding in the transportation appropriation bill that was signed into law by the President last week. Prior to the announcement, Michaud joined airport officials and community leaders for a tour of the Lufthansa hangar. Lufthansa is one of the many companies that would benefit directly from a runway extension. “At a time when our economy is struggling, investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to jumpstart job creation, while at the same time providing long-term benefits for the community,” said Michaud at the airport today. “While Congress can’t create jobs, it can provide communities with the tools they need to grow and attract new businesses. The investment that I worked to secure for the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport will allow it to begin the work that is needed to extend its runway. This extension will help the airport grow and increase business. It also holds great potential to create jobs in Lewiston and Auburn, as well as the entire region since the airport’s service area extends into much of Western Maine.” Michaud has served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since being elected to Congress. He works closely with community leaders throughout Maine to advocate for their priorities at the federal level, especially when it comes to making sure infrastructure and economic development needs are met. The funding announced today will be used for the data collection, preliminary design, land acquisition, permitting and environmental assessment required for runway safety area improvements and an extension of the runway. “This funding is crucial first step in the expansion of the airport that will allow us to attract more business and help the economic growth of the communities,” said Rick Cloutier, Manager of the Auburn-Lewiston Municipal Airport. Michaud and Cloutier were also joined by Bob Thompson, the Executive Director of the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. At the event, Thompson demonstrated how this funding would help the airport and promote it as an important regional economic development tool that would benefit businesses throughout Western Maine.
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