The $7.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to the Biddeford Municipal Airport, which was announced earlier this month, will not require any additional funding from the city or state to complete planned upgrades of the airport’s runway, taxiway and tarmac.
The FAA grant is funded at 100% through the Airport Improvement Program 2018-2020 Supplemental Appropriation with no local share required, saving Biddeford $375,000 and the state of Maine $375,000, according to a news release sent to Mainebiz by the city.
The airport was one out of only 127 airports chosen from across the country to receive funding through this round of grants.
“We are thankful that the FAA provided such a high level of support for this crucial project, allowing the airport to make vital infrastructure improvements, while enhancing the safety of aircraft operations at the airport,” said Kristopher Reynolds, airport manager.
The project outlined in the grant application enhances airport safety by reconstructing the runway, runway lighting and markings, improving runway safety areas and drainage, and preparing a stormwater pollution prevention plan for compliance with stormwater standards.
Reynolds said those infrastructure improvements will improve the safety and efficiency of airport operations and assist the airport in complying with FAA standards. “These safety projects were identified as part of the airport’s master plan in 2005 and have reached a level of critical need,” he said.
The FAA grant comes as the airport begins preparations for its first Master Plan update in nearly 15 years. The completion of this project will allow the airport to build on its progress and plan for additional projects in a modernized master plan.
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s infrastructure that promote job creation and economic development throughout the surrounding communities,” U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a May 9 statement announcing three FAA grant recipients in Maine. “Throughout the state, airports play a critical role not only to transport residents and visitors, but also to provide medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count.”
Work on the Biddeford Municipal Airport project is expected to begin in 2020.
