Monterey airport awarded $1.8 million federal grant for lighting updates.
The Monterey Regional Airport is getting a big boost toward shedding more light on things.
The airport is receiving a $1.8 million federal grant from the Department of Transportation, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced July 27. The monies will go toward updating the lighting systems for a runway and a taxiway.
The new systems will enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions, according to a statement released by Panetta's office.
Another federal grant application for the airport is in the works by a group of local agencies and businesses called Fly Team Monterey, to add a new Dallas route next year. An application for the $500,000 grant will be submitted in September, according to Mike La Pier, the airport's executive director.
At the June 2 Monterey County Mayors Association meeting, Panetta pledged to the mayors his support of the grant.