Governor Spanberger Celebrates Nearly $40 Million in New Investments to Support Virginia Airports

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Spanberger today celebrated nearly $40 million in new Commonwealth Aviation Fund investments to support 65 public-use airports across Virginia. The funding, awarded by the Virginia Aviation Board, will support critical infrastructure and modernization projects across the Commonwealth, including a new air traffic control tower at Washington Manassas Airport and a new terminal at Blue Ridge Regional Airport in Martinsville.

"Airports are essential engines of economic growth, connecting Virginians to new opportunities, supporting businesses, and helping attract investment and jobs across the Commonwealth. These new Commonwealth Aviation Fund investments will strengthen airports in every corner of Virginia, making sure they have the modern infrastructure and resources to keep growing and serving Virginians," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "We are making smart, strategic investments today that will help Virginia's aviation system thrive for years to come."

"Virginia's aviation system is a vital component of Virginia's transportation infrastructure, supporting the movement of people, goods, and services across the Commonwealth," said Secretary of Transportation Nick M. Donohue. "This funding reinforces the Commonwealth's commitment to sustaining a strong, reliable airport network that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike."

Earlier this year, Governor Spanberger signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Delegate Karrie Delaney, to modernize the allocation formula for the Commonwealth Aviation Fund - making the first change to the formula since its creation in 1986. The updated approach directs more resources to airports with greater capital needs while preserving a robust funding baseline for the Commonwealth's smaller, yet essential, General Aviation airports. This change was crucial in ensuring Virginia is better positioned to support aviation infrastructure improvements across all 65 public-use airports.

These new investments will support the following categories of airports:

$24,635,777.34 - Commercial Service Airports

Projects Include:

• Norfolk International Airport: More than $7 million to assist in the construction of a de-icing ramp.
• Richmond International Airport: Nearly $7 million for rescue and firefighting equipment and snow removal equipment and to assist in security checkpoint relocation.
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport: More than $3 million for parking ramp rehabilitation and snow removal equipment.
• Lynchburg Regional Airport: More than $3 million for rescue and firefighting equipment and TSA terminal exit lane expansion.
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport: More than $1 million to assist in maintenance and repair projects.
• Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport: More than $500,000 to assist in maintenance and repair projects.

$11,982,987.76 - Regional Business Airports

Projects Include:

• Blue Ridge Regional Airport: More than $5 million for terminal construction.
• Winchester Regional Airport: More than $2 million for large hangar site preparation.
• Virginia Highlands Airport: $1.7 million for terminal building renovation.
• Washington Manassas Airport: Nearly $1.1 million for a new air traffic control tower.
• Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport: More than $200,000 to match nearly $5 million in federal funding to support runway extension.

$3,117,414.28 - Community Business and Local Service Airports

Projects Include:

• Crew Municipal Airport: $1.6 million for runway pavement rehabilitation.
• New Kent County Airport: More than $1 million for hangar site preparation.
• Farmville Regional Airport: More than $20,000 to match $500,000 in federal funding toward replacement of navigation aids for runway.

Continued infrastructure improvements directly support the growth and strength of Virginia's aviation system. Virginia's airports remain major economic drivers in the Commonwealth. According to a recent study by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV), Virginia's airport system generates $42 billion in total economic output, supports nearly 220,000 jobs, and produces $15.2 billion in wages. This economic impact underscores the critical role each airport plays in supporting economic growth, enhancing statewide mobility, and connecting communities across Virginia.

The Commonwealth Aviation Fund ensures Virginia's airports have the resources to sustain safe operations, modernize key infrastructure, and adapt to the evolving needs of the Commonwealth's residents and businesses.

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