(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter and U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander today announced that the England Airport Authority will receive more than $4.2 million in federal funds to make improvements to the Alexandria International Airport.

“Our airports connect the Louisiana economy to economic centers across the nation and around the world,” said Vitter. “I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation made this federal money available to the England Airport Authority. This $2.2 million in federal funds will bring economic benefits to Alexandria, and throughout Central Louisiana.”

The $2.0 million grant will be used to rehabilitate one of the airport’s taxiways and the $2.2 million award will go toward the construction of a building.

 “This is great news for Central Louisiana, the 5th District and the state,” said U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “By working with Sen. Vitter and other members of the Louisiana congressional delegation, we can accomplish so much for our state. Sen. Vitter and I have often talked about ways to improve our economy, and we both understand that transportation funding is key. Central Louisiana faced big obstacles when England Air Force base closed years ago. However, Sen. Vitter and I have both noted the work on the local level that has been going on for several years, and we are both pleased to say that we are able to assist them on the federal level.”

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.