By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Northern Maine Regional Airport and five other Maine airports will share more than $1.8 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development joined U.S. Sen. Angus King in announcing that six Maine airports have been awarded grants from the Federal Aviation Administration totaling more than $1.8 million, to be used for general improvements and safety enhancements.
“I know how critical airport infrastructure is as part of our transportation system,” said Collins. “This funding will allow recipient airports to make much-needed improvements to their facilities, thereby increasing the safety of their services.”
“Maine’s large geographic area makes air travel an important transportation option that connects towns and cities across the state,” said King. “Maine’s small airports play a vital role in supporting local businesses, especially in the state’s more rural regions.”
Airports receiving funding in Maine include: Newton Field Airport in Jackman, $1,225,170; Brunswick Executive Airport, $181,350; Waterville Robert Lafleur Airport, $234,900; Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, $153,000; Belfast Municipal Airport, $34,740; and Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle, $25,000.
NMRA will use the funds for crack repairs to the runway, which will preserve the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize debris in the path of airplanes that are taking off or landing.
“The work was actually done in June; we have to do our sealing in the spring to set up for FAA inspection. The grant was delayed due to the sequester,” said Scott Wardwell, airport director. “Our match for the grant is only 2.5 percent.”
“We usually get 27-30 years’ use of our runways, due to sealing every year. It saves taxpayers a lot of money,” Wardwell said.
