WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) today announced the award of $4.7 million for improvements to Appleton International Airport. The grants will be awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

 “Appleton International Airport plays a critical role in supporting economic development in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Past developments have allowed ATW to become one of the fastest growing airports in the country, and the funding secured today will allow them to continue to build on this momentum. This is big news for Northeast Wisconsin, and I look forward to finding more ways we can support new businesses and high-paying aviation jobs in our community.

 

Appleton will receive $2.3 million from the Federal Airport Improvement Program, and Rep. Gallagher was instrumental in obtaining an additional $2.4 million in discretionary funding. Improvements will include 26,000 sq. yards of new taxiway, ramp and site readiness improvements.

 

According to Airport Director Abe Weber, “This funding will more than double ramp space in our Aviation Business Park. Recent expansions by Gulfstream Aerospace and Air Wisconsin have really put Appleton on the map as a great location for aviation businesses. This grant comes just in time, as we begin our next wave of expansion.”

 

Thomas Nelson, Outagamie County Executive, added “Appleton Airport contributes $676 million annually to our local economy, through airport operations, payroll, and visitor spending. This investment into our airport literally paves the way for future economic development.”

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation, Rep. Gallagher plays an active role in supporting Northeast Wisconsin’s aviation infrastructure priorities.

Background:

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

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