U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced an $18.4 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to reconstruct and repave the primary runway at Van Nuys Airport.

“This funding will help improve Van Nuys Airport’s infrastructure and will keep aircraft moving safely and efficiently through the airport,” LaHood said. “Investing in our nation’s airports promotes economic growth.”

The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will pay for rehabilitating the entire 8,000-foot-long primary runway. Construction is expected to begin in early 2013 and take nine months to complete.

“Van Nuys is one of the country’s busiest general aviation airports and is a powerful economic engine for the Los Angeles region,” said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “This grant will ensure the airport will continue to operate safely and efficiently, providing quality service to its customers.”

Van Nuys had about 300,000 takeoffs and landings in 2011.

AIP provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for projects that are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity, and environmental stewardship of our nation’s airports.  More than 3,300 airports are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations, and general aviation activities throughout the nation.

Editor Note – The Transportation Secretary announced grants to ten airports, totalling almost $90M – we have included Van Nuys only as it has significantly more interest to the helicopter industry than the other nine!  Full list at http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/