FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                     PRESS CONTACT:
August 15, 2014                                                                                                         Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352

PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Announces One Million Dollar Department of Transportation Grant Award to Valley International Airport

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Filemon Vela (D-Texas) announced that Valley International Airport in Harlingen was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,083,500 from the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The funds were awarded to allow Valley International Airport to acquire an aircraft rescue & fire fighting vehicle, reconstruct the southern portion of Taxiway H, and relocate power poles on Runway 31.

“Investment in infrastructure improvement projects such as this will attract more tourists and businesses to South Texas,” said Congressman Vela.  “Ensuring that funding is available for important infrastructure projects is key to our region’s long term economic prosperity.  This grant will not only improve infrastructure but also safety.  I thank the Department of Transportation for awarding these funds to Valley International Airport.”

“The Airport Board is appreciative of Representative Vela’s efforts in securing this grant for Valley International Airport,” said Valley International Airport’s Director of Aviation Michael Browning.  “These funds will be used towards maintaining our highest standards for passenger safety.”

Valley International Airport (HRL) serves nearly 700,000 passengers and visitors annually. 

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