Airports And Aviation-Related Industries Contribute More Than $52B To NC's Economy

In its November meeting, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved state and federal grants for safety and airfield improvement projects at five North Carolina airports.

More than $6.6 million in state and federal funding has been awarded for projects that help airports increase capacity, attract new jobs and businesses, and improve the safety of the pilots and passengers.

At Ashe County Airport in Jefferson, for example, the funds will be used to construct a new, partial parallel taxiway so more aircraft can safely maneuver on the airfield and reduce possible safety hazards.

The grants provide:

• $3,285,000 in federal apportionment funds for the construction of a partial parallel taxiway and apron modifications at Ashe County Airport;
• $135,000 in additional state funds for culvert rehabilitation at Burlington-Alamance Airport;
• $675,000 in additional state construction funds to rehabilitate the north aircraft apron pavement at Currituck County Regional Airport;
• $2,250,000 in additional state construction funds for the Phase II rehabilitation of the aircraft apron pavement at Dare County Regional Airport; and
• $280,000 in additional State Transportation Improvement Program design funds for the taxiway over Interstate 73 at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.

North Carolina's 72 public airports serve as vital economic engines connecting people and business enterprises with the world. Airports and aviation-related industries contribute more than $52 billion to North Carolina's economy each year, according to the 2019 State of Aviation report. They support 307,000 jobs, generate more than $2.2 billion in state and local tax revenue and provide more than $12.6 billion in personal income.

The funds awarded do not necessarily represent the total cost of the project.

FMI: www.ncdot.gov