Idaho Delegation Commends Flexibility Added To Haying And Grazing

Washington, DC - The new terminal building recently opened at the Boise Air Terminal will soon be complemented by improvements at the airportâ??s passenger security and baggage handling areas as well as improvements to aircraft taxiways. Idaho Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo and Idaho Representatives Mike Simpson and C.L. â??Butchâ?? Otter today announced a $7.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that will help fund the improvements."I am glad to see Boise Airport receiving this grant money," Craig said. "I have been working with the airport closely on its expansion plans, and this funding will help it deal with the increasing number of air travelers who pass through the airport every day. As Idaho continues to grow, the demands on the airport will only increase, and I am committed to helping the airport secure the proper funding to address this situation. I look forward to continuing my work on meeting the airport's future funding needs."Crapo, who toured the airport to review security improvements, said, â??We can now improve security at baggage screening operations and expand the space available for those looking to meet family and friends at Boise Airport. Visitors to Idaho can truly see the best of the West in our state and at our facilities.â??â??I am pleased to see the Boise Airport receive this funding,â?? Simpson said. â??This funding will help to ensure the Boise Airport's brand new facilities will be the most up-to-date and secure and will enable it to serve our region's travelers well into the future.â?? "This money will go a long way toward addressing critical safety and security needs at the Boise Airport,â?? said Otter. â??We still must seek funding to upgrade the tower, but this expansion work that's continuing at the airport is long overdue to meet the demands of a dynamic and growing metropolitan area. Improving these facilities will help make Boise and surrounding cities even more attractive to businesses looking to relocate or expand, creating jobs and opportunity for Idahoans."John Anderson, Airport Manager, said, â??Boise Airport will utilize the discretionary funds of $2,530,000 to help offset the security-related expenses for the new terminal. Most of the $4,400,000 of the entitlement funds will help offset expenses related to the new terminal building, with remaining funding assisting with the taxiway improvements and other areas. I want to thank our Congressional Delegation and their staff members for supporting the Airport Improvement Program and for assisting Boise to receive the additional discretionary funds.â??These funds help keep airport costs low and the lower costs in Boise are passed on to the airlines, and ultimately the passengers. Boise Airport continues to be one of the lowest cost airports in the U.S.A., and this helps Boise be competitive to attracting better air service for excising and new entrant carriers.â?? # # #