Congressman Bennie Thompson Announces Over $9 Million in Federal Aviation Grants for Mississippi Delta Airports

BOLTON, MS. — Congressman Bennie Thompson today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has awarded four Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants totaling $8,995,425 to support critical infrastructure improvements at airports across Mississippi’s Second Congressional District.

The grants will fund runway rehabilitation, taxiway improvements, helicopter apron construction, and a new aircraft hangar to enhance safety, improve airport operations, and strengthen economic development opportunities throughout the Mississippi Delta.

Grant Awards

Tunica Municipal Airport — $6,788,600

Tunica County and the Tunica County Airport Commission will use the grant funds towards the final phase of construction to rehabilitate 7,000 feet of Runway 17/35. The project will maintain the runway’s structural integrity, reduce foreign object debris, and extend its useful life.

Greenville Mid-Delta Airport — $1,795,310

The City of Greenville will use the grant funds towards the final phase of construction to rehabilitate 2,000 feet of Taxiway B. The improvements will preserve pavement integrity, reduce foreign object debris, and extend the taxiway’s useful life.

Belzoni Municipal Airport — $103,835

The City of Belzoni will use the grant funds to construct 278 square yards of new helicopter parking apron to accommodate additional aircraft operations.

Winona-Montgomery County Airport — $307,680

The City of Winona and Montgomery County will use the grant funds to help construct a new 5,000-square-foot non-exclusive use hangar for aircraft storage and maintenance. The hangar will generate revenue and support the airport’s long-term financial sustainability.

The grants are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration through the Airport Improvement Program, which provides funding to improve the safety, capacity, security, and environmental performance of the nation’s public-use airports.

Congressman Bennie Thompson remains committed to securing federal investments that enhance infrastructure, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents throughout Mississippi’s Second Congressional District.

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