WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $2.5 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to fix taxiways at Ephrata Municipal Airport in Ephrata, Wash.

"This funding will help improve Ephrata Municipal Airport's infrastructure, making it safer for local and regional pilots to travel through eastern Washington," Secretary LaHood said. "Making important investments in our aviation system promotes safety and economic growth in communities across the country."

The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will fund rehabilitation of taxiways B and A2 to enhance their safety. The taxiways are 70 years old and need repair. Construction will begin in May 2013, with estimated completion in July 2013.

"Ephrata Municipal Airport has a rich history, beginning with service as an Army Air Corps base during World War II. Since then it has grown to a general aviation airport with more than 100,000 operations per year. This grant will allow an improved quality of service," said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

AIP provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for projects that are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity and environmental stewardship of our nation's airports. More than 3,300 airports are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations and general aviation activities throughout the nation.

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