NEWPORT — Two federal grants totaling more than $8.3 million were recently awarded to make critical improvements to Newport’s Airport as it expands to accommodate a continued increase of economic growth in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
The grants, awarded by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to the State of Vermont, will construct a taxiway and extend the runway to accommodate more and larger planes that will bring people to the area for business, tourist, and recreation opportunities.
The grants will also be used to construct a building to house snow plows and equipment. The DOT made awards of $7.6 million for the taxiway and extended runway and $729,000 to construct the snow removal equipment building.
“The Northeast Kingdom has a lot to offer, and these funds will help drive more people to a truly beautiful part of Vermont,” Governor Peter Shumlin said.
The grants follow an additional $8.8 million awarded last year by the Federal Aviation Administration to help with the airport’s expansion.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Peter Welch (D-Vt.) released the following statement:
“These grants are an investment in the economic growth of the Northeast Kingdom. By making these improvements to the Newport State Airport, we are facilitating the growing tourism industry, bringing new business and encouraging job growth in the region that is filled with promise.”
