WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Transportation on Tuesday announced it is awarding a $2.7 million grant to the Salinas Municipal Airport for runway and taxiway rehabilitation. The funds are part of the Economic Recovery Act signed into law last month.

"Congress passed the recovery bill with the goal of saving American jobs, and this grant does just that, putting local construction crews to work maintaining an important local resource," said Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel). "We're seeing federal dollars arrive on the Central Coast just five weeks after the bill was signed into law. This unprecedented pace is a clear signal that Washington is taking this process seriously."

The $2.7 million grant will be used to rehabilitate runway and taxiways through painting, paving and asphalt work. The grant will support jobs in Monterey County and city and local business community will benefit from these important airport improvements.

"I am delighted that Salinas will receive $ 2.7 million in federal stimulus funds to rehabilitate the runways at the airport," said Salinas Mayor Dennis Donohue. "The rehabilitation project will secure the valuable air transportation services provided to agriculture, business and residents in the Salinas Valley now and well into the future."

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