U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration, through its Airport Improvement Program, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $5,649,021 to the Virginia Tech-Montgomery County Airport to make much needed improvements to the airport’s runway.

“The federal funds will enable the airport to make much-needed improvements to its runway, which has deteriorated due to age and frequent use,” Boucher said. “The airport is critical to the economy of Montgomery County, and improvements to the runway are necessary to ensure the airport will continue to operate safely and efficiently.”

With the benefit of the federal funding, the Virginia Tech airport will improve its runway area. The airport serves Virginia Tech and Montgomery County, including several industries and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. The improvements will make the runway safer for aircraft landing and taking off from the airport.

“The presence of a well developed airport is essential to our economic development goals for the region,” Boucher added. “Corporate executives, local planners, and transportation experts all agree that a modern airport is an important community asset when businesses seek new office and plant locations.”