NASHUA – Members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation said efficiency and safety improvements will take off at Granite State airports via a $6 million Federal Aviation Administration Grant.

“This federal funding to improve airports across New Hampshire is critical to meeting the needs of our people, businesses, and economy,” said U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., said. She is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the FAA.

The FAA awarded $2.1 million to fund a taxiway at Concord Municipal Airport and another $1.4 million for a taxiway at Laconia Municipal Airport. Just shy of $200,000 has been awarded to the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to update the Airport Master Plan Study in order to address key issues, objectives and goals for future development at the airport. Manchester Airport also received $1.5 million to remove obstructions on Runway No. 35.

A $1.6 million grant will go to Pease Development Authority to expand the terminal building to 67,000 square feet, enabling more efficient movement of passengers and luggage.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said she’s pleased to see this substantial federal investment in the state’s airports, which she said are critical to New Hampshire’s economy.

“These federal grants will extend and rehabilitate taxiways, remove runway obstructions, expand terminals and provide overall infrastructure investments that will serve Granite Staters on the Seacoast and in Manchester, Laconia and Concord, as well as the many tourists from all over the world who travel to see New Hampshire’s natural beauty each year,” Shaheen said.

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, D-N.H., said the state’s airports help support businesses and communities by generating approximately $2.3 billion in economic activity annually. She also expressed the need to expand these types of federal investments to create more jobs and generate more economic growth.

Echoing her thoughts in regard to economic growth, U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., said, “Ensuring that our airport facilities are safe and ready for business will help us continue to drive economic growth and maintain New Hampshire as the envy of the region.”

Adam Urquhart can be reached at 594-1206 or aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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