WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $1.1 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant for data gathering that will allow airports in Eagle, Healy River, Hughes, McCarthy and Tatitlek, Alaska, to design routes that will provide safer access to the airports in inclement weather.

This grant continues our commitment to providing the safest and most efficient aviation system for Alaska's pilots and their passengers," Secretary LaHood said. "Making important investments in our airports promotes safety and economic growth in communities across the country."

The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will fund the collection of data that FAA engineers need to develop precision, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) approaches into these airports. WAAS is a satellite navigation system that improves the accuracy and availability of GPS signals used to guide airplanes on their approach. Work will begin in March 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in July of 2014.

"These GPS approaches are an important component of the Next Generation Air Transportation System," Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said. "This project will further enhance safety and efficiency in Alaska."

AIP provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for airport improvement 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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