The money will allow the DRBA, which operates the airport, to purchase 11 acres of additional land near the facility.
MILLVILLE -- More than $1 million in new federal funds will go toward acquisition of land for future development at the Millville Airport, officials say.
U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo, R-2nd Dist., announced the grant on Tuesday.
"A key strategy to bringing additional economic opportunities to South Jersey has been the growth and development at our local airports," LoBiondo said in a press release from his office. "With more than $100 million invested at various facilities over the past decade, we have made substantial improvements to South Jersey's community airports to attract more businesses and more jobs.
The money -- a total of $1,084,050 -- goes to the Delaware River and Bay Authority which operates the Millville Airport. The DRBA operates several regional airports including in Cape May and New Castle County.
"On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and DRBA staff, we would like to thank Congressman LoBiondo for his efforts to secure additional funding for the Millville Airport that will be used to acquire more than 11 acres of land adjacent to the airfield," said DRBA Vice Chairman James N. Hogan. "The acquisition of this adjoining land, which is located on the north side of Taxiway G, will eliminate a current through-the-fence operation and provide for future development opportunities."
Millville Airport marking 75 years
The Millville Airport is known as America's First Defense Airport because of the training pilots received there during World War II. The Millville Army Airfield Museum located at the airport recounts the history of the facility.
Today it is used for aircraft training and also is home to many businesses.
Since 2004, Millville airport has received more than $18.4 million federal dollars for improvement projects.
"Today's funding builds on the great success in securing federal dollars for the Millville airport. I will continue to work closely with the DRBA, local officials and the FAA to bring additional federal resources to our region," said LoBiondo who is chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee.
Along with its regional airports, the DRBA operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.