July 17, 2007

 Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign of Nevada announced more than $5 million in funding to upgrade airports, primarily throughout rural Nevada.

“This is important funding for Nevada to upgrade their facilities,” said Reid.  “Among other things, this money will help these airports grow, become more accessible, and improve safety.  Growing up in the rural town of Searchlight, I recognize the significant impact rural airports provide for our communities.”

“Rural airports play an important role in helping local communities sustain and improve their economies,” said Ensign.  “Many smaller airports throughout Nevada are in need of costly safety and regulatory upgrades, and these grants provide the necessary funds for these infrastructure improvements.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation will award grants to the following Nevada airports:

• Battle Mountain: $240,000
  • Install perimeter fencing
  • Rehabilitate runway lighting

• Boulder City Municipal: $850,000
  • Conduct airfield drainage study
  • Construct apron
  • Improve runway safety

• Ely/Yelland Field: $1,290,148
  • Rehabilitate apron

• Fallon Municipal: $304,000
  • Install runway lighting
  • Rehabilitate apron

• Jackpot/Hayden Field: $300,000
  • Install perimeter fencing
  • Rehabilitate apron

• Lincoln County: $1,401,176
  • Construct access roads
  • Construct taxiway
  • Expand apron
  • Rehabilitate runway

• Pahrump: $475,000
  • Conduct environmental study

• Reno/Stead: $520,313
  • Construct access road
  • Improve runway safety area

• Winnemucca Municipal: $50,000
  • Conduct environmental study