City Receives Largest Grant Ever from the FAA
Posted/updated on: June 21, 2011 at 2:58 pm
TYLER — The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has been awarded an $8,372,357 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airport safety and security enhancement projects. This is the largest single grant Tyler has ever received from the FAA. “Quality transportation services are important for boosting the local economy, so we are delighted to receive these funds to be ued toward improvements and safety for our airport,” said Davis Dickson, Airport Manager.
The grant funding will be used to improve and update required Runway Safety Areas for Runway 4/22. Navigational aids (NavAids), lighting, associated taxiways and facilities will also be constructed to meet the new runway configuration. “We are very pleased with the airport staff for their efforts, hard work and diligence to secure this latest grant,” Mayor Barbara Bass said. The grant will pay 95 percent of all eligible expenses related to the improvement project.
“We are very fortunate that the FAA blessed us with this grant opportunity,” said Mayor Bass. “The Airport is a tremendous asset to the community, making travel easier while bringing new businesses and industries to Tyler. In the Industry Growth Initiative, Tyler Pounds is identified as an asset that we should capitalize upon. This grant will help move us in that direction.” At their regular meeting on June 22, the Tyler City Council will be asked to ratify the grant application and authorize the City Manager to accept the grant funding.
The grant announcement came from U.S. Senator John Cornyn. “These funds will be used to address needed maintenance and safety improvements at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport,” Sen. Cornyn said. “In addition, quality transportation services are important for boosting local economic growth. I commend the area leaders who worked to secure this funding.”
The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport was named 2007 Airport of the Year for the State of Texas by the (FAA) for its outstanding contributions toward aviation in the state. The new airport terminal was constructed in 2002 with half cent sales tax funding and other grant funds. Located at 700 Skyway Blvd, off of Highway 64 West, it is serviced by Continental Connection and American Eagle with 18 daily flights, servicing 150,000 passengers per year.
