Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced $4,556,533 in federal funding for renovation projects and equipment purchases at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT).

The federal funding for MHT was awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with $2,107,706 going towards two taxiway rehabilitation projects at the airport and $2,448,827 being allocated to help purchase critical equipment needed for snow removal and airport safety and security. These grants are awarded through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped craft the omnibus funding legislation for fiscal year (FY) 2018, which appropriated an additional $1 billion for AIP projects.

“As the busiest airport in New Hampshire, Manchester serves as a gateway to the Granite State for travelers visiting each year, which totaled 1.8 million people in 2018. This grant for the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport will help repair critical airport infrastructure, prepare for winter conditions and ensure the safety and security of passengers, property and equipment,” said Senator Shaheen. “Ensuring our regional transportation centers have the funding and backing they need is critical to growing our state’s economy, and I’ll keep fighting to secure additional resources for New Hampshire’s infrastructure.”

“Tourism is one of New Hampshire’s largest industries, which is why it is absolutely essential that we enhance the safety and security of this critical transportation hub,” Senator Hassan said. “I am pleased to announce that Manchester-Boston Regional Airport will receive over 4.5 million in federal dollars to improve their infrastructure and ensure the highest-quality experience for their customers.”

“Tourism is a significant driver of New Hampshire’s economy, making it critically important for us to invest in our state’s largest airport, Manchester-Boston Regional,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “This funding will help make various updates to the airport’s infrastructure and increase passenger safety, improving the overall travel experience for people utilizing MHT. I’ll continue my efforts to secure resources to bolster New Hampshire’s infrastructure.”

“Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is an economic engine for New Hampshire, and this grant is an important investment to ensure that the state’s largest airport continues to serve our travelers well,” Congressman Pappas said. “I’m pleased that these federal funds will be put to use in important renovation projects and equipment purchases at MHT.”

“The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is an economic driver for our city and state,” said Mayor Joyce Craig. “I’m thankful Senator Shaheen, Senator Hassan, Congressman Pappas, and Congresswoman Kuster worked to secure funding for critical investments in our airport, helping to improve service and safety for air passengers.”

“On behalf of the airport staff, I would like to thank our federal delegation and the Federal Aviation Administration for their partnership and continuing support of the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport,” said Airport Director Ted Kitchens. “In a region experiencing rapid economic growth, the airport provides a critical link between our community and the global economy. The funding provided through these federal grants helps ensure that this critical link continues to be provided in a safe and efficient manner to our passengers, commercial airlines, cargo airlines, and the general aviation community.”

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