3:00pm | Long Beach Airport (LGB) has announced receipt of two United States Department of Transportation grants totaling $6.1 million dollars. The award comes through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will fund two key airfield improvements and an Airfield Geometry Study. The new awards bring total 2011 FAA funding to $8.1 million.
“LGB continues to do a great job of securing key FAA grants to support the Airport Modernization Plan,” Mayor Bob Foster said. “These dollars are essential to maintaining our airport, which is one of the most important economic assets to our city.”
As part of LGB’s Green Initiatives, the largest grant of $5 million will fund the installation of electrical power at each aircraft parking position, which will directly benefit residents and passengers by improving air quality at the airport through eliminating the use of diesel powered Ground Power Units on the Air Carrier Ramp. The grant will also fund the reconstruction of deteriorated pavement on Taxiways E, F and the ramp.
Air Carrier Ramp Improvements are one component of the $140 million Airport Modernization Plan (AMP). The recently opened parking structure, the new passenger concourse and the terminal modernization comprise related projects and provide approximately 1,000 jobs overall.
”This funding will result in cleaner air at the airport and in the community, and enable Long Beach Airport to be even more environmentally friendly,” said Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, who represents the 5th District.
The other $1.1 million grant will fund an airfield geometry study to examine the airport’s network of runways and taxiways. The study is intended to determine the optimum design of the airfield with a focus on safety, maintenance costs, operational efficiency and developing alternative business opportunities in order to further diversify revenue.
“These grants will allow LGB to continue to improve the customer experience and ensure the financial strength of the airport,” Airport Director Mario Rodriguez said. “Additionally, I’m happy to report this grant will directly support further green initiatives at LGB.”
LGB news, including Airport Modernization Plan updates and links, can be found at the Airport’s website, www.lgb.org, by signing up with the City’s e-Notify system, on Facebook at Long Beach Airport and on Twitter at @LBAirport.