Governor Abigail Spanberger announced nearly $40 million in Commonwealth Aviation Fund investments to support infrastructure and modernization projects at 65 public-use airports across Virginia.
The funding was awarded by the Virginia Aviation Board. Projects include a new air traffic control tower at Washington Manassas Airport and a new terminal at Blue Ridge Regional Airport in Martinsville.
The announcement came after Spanberger signed bipartisan legislation earlier this year to update the allocation formula for the Commonwealth Aviation Fund for the first time since its creation in 1986. The revised approach directs more resources to airports with greater capital needs while maintaining funding for smaller general aviation airports.
The $24.6 million directed to commercial service airports includes projects such as more than $7 million for a de-icing ramp at Norfolk International Airport and nearly $7 million for equipment and security improvements at Richmond International Airport. Regional business airports received $12 million, including more than $5 million for terminal construction at Blue Ridge Regional Airport. Community and local service airports received $3.1 million.
Virginia's airport system generates $42 billion in total economic output annually and supports nearly 220,000 jobs, according to a state-commissioned study. Continued infrastructure improvements support economic growth and regional mobility.
"Airports are essential engines of economic growth, connecting Virginians to new opportunities, supporting businesses, and helping attract investment and jobs across the Commonwealth," Spanberger said.