Business

AVL wins $18M grant

By Bill Moss, Published: May 16, 2017

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority has been awarded an $18.2 million discretionary grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Federal Aviation Administration will allocate the funds, which will be used to complete the airport’s new runway project.

“Maintaining a modernized hub of transportation is critical for our region and business community, so I’m excited to hear of this new development,” U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows said in a news release. “I’m confident that these additional grant funds will go a long way in allowing our local transportation officials to serve our region to the best of their ability. I want to particularly recognize and thank my friend and A.A.E. executive director, Lew Bleiweis, for his tireless efforts on behalf of the Asheville Airport.”

The rehabilitation project for the airport’s runway has been a priority of the FAA to improve the airport’s infrastructure and ensure that the runway system meets construction standards. The grant is another step toward the completion of the project.

“We are pleased that our elected officials understand the infrastructure needs at Asheville Regional Airport, and that they have advocated for the discretionary grant funding,” said Lew Bleiweis, executive director. “I would like to extend recognition to Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, as well as Congressmen Mark Meadows and Patrick McHenry for their leadership. The airfield project is the most significant construction project our airport has undertaken since the airport opened in 1961, and will ensure our ability to serve the aviation needs of Western North Carolina for decades to come.”