June 9, 2007
 
Byrd, Jay Announce $2,832,000 Runway Improvement Grant for Yeager Airport
 
By HNN Staff
from news release
 
Washington, DC (HNN) -- Yeager Airport is set to receive $2,832,000 to make runway safety improvements, U.S. Senators Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller, both D-WV, announced Friday, June 8, 2007.
 
This grant will be used for an environmental assessment for obstruction removal, to extend the runway and its safety area, and to facilitate upgrades to the current water system. Byrd included the funding in key federal legislation that he wrote, and that was signed by the President, earlier this year. Senator Rockefeller crafted the initial legislation that cleared the way for Byrd’s appropriations work.
 
"Air travel is essential to the transportation network in our state, and Yeager Airport is a critical part of that network," Byrd said. "I hope that these funds will ensure the safety of those who use the airport and expand opportunities there for the long-term."
 
“It is crucial that we continue strengthening our state’s aviation system, and that we make sure our airports run smoothly for the people who rely on them everyday,” said Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Aviation Subcommittee on Commerce. “And that’s exactly what these funds will help to accomplish.”
 
Rockefeller has authored legislation, S. 1300, the Aviation Investment and Modernization (AIM) Act, which in addition to improving and modernizing the nation’s aviation system, would increase funding by $100 million a year for airport infrastructure projects nationwide; protect West Virginia’s general aviation airports’ annual entitlement funding; maintain the 95-5 cost sharing formula for small airports; and give airports greater flexibility to decide how best to spend those funds.
 
“Airports play a critical role in West Virginia’s transportation system, which is why it’s so important that the federal government continues supporting them with the funds they need to be as safe and efficient as possible,” Rockefeller said.
 
"Senator Rockefeller and I are a team. Whether for these airport funds or highway construction or better schools or health care or mine safety, we are working together every day for West Virginia," Byrd stated.