WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) today announced Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of another airport improvement grant for the Mississippi Gulf Coast – $4.7 million for the Stennis International Airport in Hancock County.
The grant funding will be used to rehabilitate Runway 18/36, which is nearing the end of its useful paving life. The airport is applying $150,000 in other entitlement funding toward the project, making $4.85 million available for this work.
“This grant will support the essential maintenance needed at the Stennis International Airport, which is positioned to contribute to Mississippi’s growing aviation and aeronautical sector,” Cochran said.
“Stennis International Airport is an important contributor to the economic well-being of Hancock County and the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Wicker said. “This grant guarantees that Stennis can continue to provide support for the thousands of military, marine research, business, and general aviation flights that the airport serves each year.”
“Stennis is playing a leading role in our nation when it comes to the success of our aviation and aeronautical industries. It’s imperative that their ongoing efforts are supported with a sound infrastructure so that they can continue to work effectively and efficiently toward their mission,” Palazzo said.
FAA airport improvement grants are funded through the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.
The Stennis airport grant is the third FAA Airport Improvement program award approved for the Gulf Coast this month. On July 5, the FAA announced $2.35 million for the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and $162,540 for the Picayune Municipal Airport to support runway, taxiway, and security enhancements.
