“Northwestern Maine is a rural area of the state that relies heavily on only a few available transportation networks,” said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. “These networks must be kept up so that the region does not become isolated from the rest of the state. The Greenville airport is one of the area’s most important transportation links-and it must be kept in serviceable condition.”

The funds will be used to reconstruct the Greenville airport’s primary runway since the old one has exceeded its useful life. The reconstruction effort will include improvements to the runway safety areas on both ends.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) aims to improve safety, increase mobility in support of the nation’s economy, protect human and natural environment, achieve organizational excellence, and support the national security strategy. DOT has provided the grants allocated to Maine through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA issues and enforces regulations and minimum standards covering manufacturing, operating, and maintaining aircraft.