Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2 million grant to the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport Commission in Weyers Cave, Virginia, to construct new airport hangars and training space to support increased aviation activity in the region.
“From day one, the Trump Administration put infrastructure at the top of our agenda,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The new Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport aircraft hangars will boost business development and economic growth efforts in the region.”
“This project will support the airport’s establishment of two 10,000 square-foot on-site operation hangars that will provide storage, maintenance, repairs, and pilot and technician training,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This added capacity will allow local aviation programs to develop a strong pipeline of skilled workers to support current and future businesses in the aircraft industry.”
“The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most vibrant places in America, and expanded air service will help strengthen its economy even further,” said Governor Ralph S. Northam. “We appreciate this grant from the U.S. Commerce Department and its commitment to growing Virginia’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.”
“As our communities work to weather the economic impacts of COVID-19, we need to be investing in projects that help strengthen and grow our local economies,” said Senator Mark R. Warner. “That’s why I’m glad to know that these federal funds will go towards supporting aviation in the Shenandoah Valley and facilitating travel to the region.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.