Kaptur Announces Over $7 Million in Federal Investments for Northwest Ohio AirportsPress ReleaseTradeJobs and the Economy

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, announced that the US Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded over $7 Million in federal investments through its Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to support critical infrastructure upgrades and enhance safety at several regional airports in Northern Ohio.

These awards will fund a wide range of projects designed to improve airport operations, extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure, and ensure regional airports meet current safety standards. These airports serve as vital transportation hubs for local residents, businesses, and visitors, making these investments critical to the region's economic growth and development.

"From families traveling for the first time to local businesses reaching new markets, our airports are vital lifelines for our communities. These investments will enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and expand capacity at airports throughout our region, ensuring they can meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "These enhancements are about more than just concrete and lights; they are about connecting people, fostering economic growth, and securing a brighter future for Northwest Ohio. This is how we move forward - one investment, one improvement, one step, and one flight at a time."

The following local airports will benefit from the Airport Improvement Program:

• Erie-Ottawa International Airport has been awarded $6,435,940 to expand its existing Southwest Apron by an additional 25,200 square yards to accommodate increased aircraft operations, boosting the airport's capacity and operational efficiency. Apron expansion had been part of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP) for over a decade, and will now be fully funded for completion. This new funding will greatly improve safety, maneuverability, and capacity for the airport. The initial plan for this fiscal year was to request another 5,000 square yards to continue the process, but this new FAA funding will allow for completion of the expansion.
• Middle Bass Island Airport will receive $550,896 for the installation of 2,700 feet of fencing and gates to enhance airport safety.
• Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority was awarded $169,465 to support the purchase of two electric pick-up trucks and two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to supplement the vehicle fleet at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL). The project includes the purchase and installation of required equipment outfitting of the vehicles with lighting, vehicle signage, radios, and security vehicle safety additions.

"This will be the largest project in the airport's history outside of constructing the runways. We are grateful for our partners at the local, state, and federal level who recognize the airport as a valuable asset to the region, and who are willing to continue vital investment in airport infrastructure," said Clay Finken, Director, Erie-Ottawa International Airport (KPCW). "KPCW is a critical lifeline to the Lake Erie Islands, as well as a popular destination airport because of the incredible region we serve. Continued investment in the airport, like this expanded aircraft parking apron, enables us to fulfill our role as an important means of transportation and economic development for the region."

"Environmental sustainability is a strategic focus of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and we are doing our part to decarbonize operations and reduce our environmental footprint, while maintaining operational excellence," said Thomas J. Winston, President and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. "Thanks to this FAA Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Pilot Program grant, we are able to introduce two zero-emission vehicles and electric charging infrastructure into our maintenance and security vehicle fleet at the airport, which will reduce our environmental impact and overall costs, while strengthening our commitment to innovation and clean energy."

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