Local airports get federal grants

KELLEYS ISLAND — Federal grant awards of $1.4 million have been announced for four northwest Ohio airports, including about $570,000 for Erie-Ottawa International Airport. The grants were announced by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo. Members of Congress often take the lead in announcing federal grants. The four grants are: • $572,300 for Erie-Ottawa International Airport near Port Clinton. The money will be used to begin design work for the rehabilitation of runways and taxiways. "We are grateful for the continued strong and strategic collaboration with our local, state, and federal partners," said Clay Finken, director of Erie-Ottawa International Airport. The Erie-Ottawa International Airport received about $6.4 million last year to expand its southwest apron by about 25,000 square feet, expanding the airport's capacity. The airport "is a key transportation and economic asset for the region," he added. "This investment ensures essential airfield pavements, our primary runway and parallel taxiway, remain safe and well-maintained for the flying public who contribute greatly to our local economy." • $387,600 to Sandusky County Regional Airport in Fremont to replace snow removal equipment. • $361,400 to Kelleys Island to pay for the second phase of an environmental assessment for planned runway safety improvements, including relocating Monaghan Road. "We appreciate this recognition as this is one small step in the process going forward, to improve our airport safety and efficiency," said Ron Ehrbar, mayor of Kelleys Island. • $112,600 for the Defiance Memorial Airport to design work for replacing taxi lanes and apron work. "These awards represent smart, targeted investment in transportation infrastructure: the backbone of our northwest Ohio region," Kaptur said. "These facilities are lifelines for emergency access, business development and future aviation growth. From snow removal equipment in Fremont, to major runway and taxiway improvements in Port Clinton and Defiance, to long-overdue safety enhancements on Kelleys Island, these projects support the skilled labor and small businesses that keep our airports running and our communities connected."