WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jim Himes and Oxford First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers today announced an $861,240 grant from the Department of Transportation to fund the construction of a new taxiway at Waterbury-Oxford Municipal Airport. The pair announced the grant after a meeting to discuss the local impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This type of investment in our communities is a win-win: it creates jobs now and prepares our communities for future growth,” said Congressman Himes. “Maintaining safe, modern transportation systems is critical to the economic development of any community, and I am eager to see Oxford grow as a result of this investment.”

The grant specifically funds the creation of a stub taxiway that will connect the aircraft parking apron to the active runway.

“I’m pleased with Congressman Himes’ announcement because any project that has a positive impact on the airport, which is wholly located within the town of Oxford, translates to jobs, industrial growth, and tax relief for our residents,” said Oxford First Selectwoman Drayton-Rogers. “The Recovery Act Congressman Himes helped to pass will bring this same type of badly-needed economic investment to our communities, and we stand ready with shovel-ready projects that we are hopeful the governor will choose to fund. I’m anxious to see the money get down to the local level as soon as possible.”

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