FORT MYERS, Florida – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $13.6 million grant to Page Field (FMY), a general aviation airport operated by the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA).
The grant was made under the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which awards funds to eligible airports for necessary planning and development projects. As the FAA-designated reliever airport for Southwest Florida International Airport handling nearly 97,000 operations in 2015, Page Field is vital to the air transportation system in Southwest Florida, airport officials note.
The grant will allow LCPA to proceed with the rehabilitation of Page Field’s primary-use Runway 05/23 and associated taxiways.
Specifically, it will fund enhancements to the airfield’s lighting, drainage and signage, improvements to the structural integrity of the runway and taxiways and additional safety upgrades to better serve those flying to and from Page Field.
These improvements are necessary to repair the 20-plus-year-old pavement, extend its useful life and bring it up to current FAA standards, airport officials explained.
Page is a vital component and driver of the SW Florida economy. GA pays into the federal fund for airport improvements and maintenance. I’m pleased the LOCAL officials competed successfully for this grant to support a GA airport.
Snarky comments from internet trolls do nothing to help support our cause.
Hi Dan;
I assume your referring to ME? If so, I’m guess you made one to many trips to Disneyland OR some other fantasy playground! The MONEY, sir, often goes where the political (LOCAL OFFICIALS?) forces have an influence – NEEDED or not! And ps; hardly an “internet troll” – maybe if I were 25 (years of age) or younger?
OK Rod. I assume you understand that the federal grants to GA airports are awarded competitively. Page got a grant. I’m sure the application had support from the Congressman from that district. I invite you to do your homework and determine for yourself just how much influence the recent incumbent(s) must have.
I will concede that congressional influence and earmarks of federal appropriations have been an unfortunate reality in the past and even recently. But I doubt that applies in this instance. As long as I have to pay a very small portion of these funds through taxes on aviation fuel, I am happy to learn where and how they are used.
I’ve used Page just a few times in the past 15 years. I don’t have any specific interest in this matter.
And the troll-like snark in you second post belies your claim to maturity.
This area of Florida has GREAT demographic$; aircraft owners and pilots who $pend money – perhaps the justification (and politics of course!) for the $13.6M grant?