Money will fund ongoing construction of new airport passenger terminal; improve existing facilities

Washington, DC - Georgia Congressman John Barrow (12^th District) announced today that the House of Representatives has approved an additional $2,000,000 in funding for the Augusta Regional Airport.  The money, requested by Congressman Barrow, was included in the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act that passed the House of Representatives earlier today. 

The funding will help improve the airport's existing facilities and cover ongoing construction costs for the airport's new passenger terminal.  The new terminal, scheduled for completion in 2007, is being built on the site of the airport's current passenger terminal. 

"Once completed, the new terminal will be a vital economic gateway to Augusta and eastern Georgia," Barrow said.  "I'm committed to making sure this project has all the funding it needs."  

Last November, Barrow's request for $2,500,000 for the Augusta Airport was included in the Conference Report on the Transportation, Treasury, HUD, Judiciary, and District of Columbia Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006.  That bill passed the House by an overwhelming vote of 392-31 and was later signed into law by President Bush. 

Congressman Barrow toured the airport's terminal construction project last fall and intends to visit the terminal project again soon for an update on the construction progress. Barrow is also the newest member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has direct jurisdiction over America's aviation infrastructure and the nation's airports. 

The FY ‘07 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act is now being considered in the Senate.  After the House and Senate both agree on a Conference Report, the bill will go to the President for his approval.

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Contact: Harper Lawson, (202) 225-2823

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