VALDOSTA — The federal government announced Thursday it will provide Valdosta Regional Airport with $3 million to help replace the airport’s traffic control tower.
The grant is part of $970 million earmarked for 114 airports, a statement from the Federal Aviation Authority said. The money is part of a $5 billion grant program to modernize airport terminals.
Other airports receiving money to improve or replace traffic control towers are located in Duluth, Minn., Middle River, Md., and Harlingen Texas.
“Today’s funding not only helps modernize airports to meet the needs of travelers today and for years to come but also creates good-paying job opportunities in communities both large and small,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin.
Management at the Valdosta Regional Airport was not available for immediate comment.
In a 2023 interview, Jim Galloway, the regional airport manager and executive director, said the current air tower and general aviation terminal needs to be replaced as it hasn’t been upgraded for more than 70 years and older buildings are more expensive to maintain.