The City of Biddeford is pleased to announce that the Biddeford Municipal Airport has received a $7.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The grant funding will be used to make updates to the airport’s runway, taxiway, and tarmac.
The FAA grant is funded at 100% through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) 2018-2020 Supplemental Appropriation with no local share required, saving the City of Biddeford $375,000 and the State of Maine $375,000. 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 preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for compliance with stormwater standards. These necessary 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,” Reynolds 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,” Senator Susan Collins stated in a press release on May 9 announcing the grant recipients. “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 this project is expected to begin in 2020. For more information about the Biddeford Municipal Airport, please contact Airport Manager Kristopher Reynolds at 207-282-1893 or at airportmanager@biddefordmaine.org.
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