At its February meeting, the N.C. Board of Transportation approved state and federal grants for safety and airfield improvement projects at 10 North Carolina airports.

More than $9.5 million in state funding has been awarded for various projects that help the airports increase capacity, attract new jobs and businesses to their communities, and improve safety for pilots and passengers.

The funds the N.C. Board of Transportation approved include $234,445 in state funds to acquire land for a future parallel taxiway at Mount Olive Municipal Airport.

North Carolina’s 72 public airports serve as vital economic engines connecting people and business enterprises with the world. Airports and aviation-related industries contribute more than $61 billion to North Carolina’s economy each year, according to the 2021 State of Aviation report. They support 373,000 jobs, generate more than $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenue, and provide more than $15 billion in personal income.

The funds awarded will be distributed by NCDOT’s Division of Aviation, and do not necessarily represent the total cost of the project.