Two Aroostook County Airports to Receive Funds to Make Upgrades

It was announced on Tuesday morning that seven Maine airports were awarded federal grants totaling more than $2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration to be used for general improvements and safety enhancements, two of them are in Aroostook County.

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King said, “Maine's large geographic area makes air travel an important transportation option that connects towns and cities across the state. Maine's airports play a vital role in supporting local businesses, especially in the state's more rural regions. This funding will help make necessary improvements and maintain a safe operational environment at our airports.”

The awarded airports in Aroostook County are:

• Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle will receive $250,000 for structural improvements to the runway.
• Houlton International Airport in Houlton will receive $121,500 fund an update to the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan, including wildlife hazard assessment, to address key issues, objectives and goals pertinent to the airport's future development.

Other airports in the state that were awarded are Bangor International Airport, Brunswick Executive Airport, Belfast Municipal Airport, Wiscasset Airport and Biddeford Municipal Airport.