BERLIN -- A $4.1 million federal grant to improve the state's airports will pay for a new fuel farm at Berlin Regional Airport.

U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Carol Shea-Potter last week announced the state Department of Transportation will receive the grant to help maintain public airports across the state.

Tricia L. Schoenick Lambert, administrator of the NH DOT Aeronautics Bureau, said some of the money will be used to put in a new 12,000 gallon Jet-A fuel farm at the Berlin airport. In an e-mail, she said the current fuel farm is over 20 years old and in need of replacement.

"New Hampshire's airports, both large and small, are important gateways to our beautiful state," Kuster said. "This grant will help keep our airports in top shape and help them continue to grow our economy and bring travelers to the Granite State."

"This funding is critical to the development and safe operation of New Hampshire's general aviation airports," said Lambert. "This airport infrastructure is important to New Hampshire, as these airports facilitate emergency response activities and promote business use, thereby strengthening the state's economy."

The funds, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are part of the agency's Airport Improvement program, which helps to fund infrastructure improvements at airports around the country.