$33.8M in safety, infrastructure grants awarded for Nevada airports

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Four airports and the state of Nevada will be awarded nearly $34 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants, the Department of Transporation announced Wednesday.

According to a press release, the grants are part of a $520.5 million investment in the country's airports.

“This [...] federal support to airports across the country will help to keep our nation’s airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for passengers,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao in a prepared statement.

The agency said the Trump has invested nearly $12 billion in more than 2,000 airports since President Trump took office.

In the Las Vegas valley, the North Las Vegas Airport received $806,250 to update the airport master plan or study, meanwhile Reno/Tahoe International received nearly $32 million to rebuild a runway, a taxiway and repair runway lighting.

Two other airports, Silver Springs and Yerington Municipal received in total more than $750,000 to expand and update portions of the airport.

Nevada received just over $500,000 to update the state system plan, the press release said.

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“It’s in our national interest to make them the crown jewel in our transportation system. The Airport Improvement Program allows us to do just that,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.

The Federal Aviation Administration said civil aviation supports more than 5% of the country's gross domestic product, provides $1.6 trillion in economic activity and nearly 11 million jobs.