McGovern Announces $1.4 Million for Worcester Airport

FAA Grant Funds Installation of Runway Lighting to Enhance Safety in Low Visibility

Worcester, MA, August 22, 2016

Today Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) announced that Worcester Airport has been awarded a $1.4 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to install taxiway lighting. The new federal funding will allow Massport to install a Surface Movement Guidance and Control (SMGCS) lighting system on a taxiway to Runway 11-29 to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions.

“With this grant, Worcester Regional Airport will have the resources they need to continue to grow and make this a convenient and affordable options for Worcester residents,” Congressman McGovern said. “Bringing federal dollars back to Worcester to support our local economy has always been one of my top priorities. With this new funding, Worcester Airport will be able to install taxiway lighting that will help to ensure continued service even during inclement weather with low visibility. I am proud to have strong partners with the FAA supporting our region’s economy and thank Massport for all that they are doing to help Worcester airport grow and succeed.”

“Massport is grateful for Congressman McGovern's advocacy for Worcester Regional Airport,’’ said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “The ground movement system will be critical for the CAT III landing system."

Congressman McGovern has been a leading champion of the Worcester Airport’s recent revitalization and helped to secure $3 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) station. In September 2015, Congressman McGovern announced $2.7 million in FAA funding support the construction of a partial parallel taxiway to Runway 11-29 in order to reduce the need to back taxi on the runway. 

That $2.7 million grant provided funding for phase 1 of a 2 phase project. That phase included construction of an approximately 3,500 foot haul road. The project also includes the installation of a new CAT III approach lighting system for Runway 11. This grant provided funding for the reconstruction of Surface Movement Guidance Control System (SMGCS) route taxiways and installation of the lighting system infrastructure which is necessary for the installation of the approach lighting system.

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