Owens announces airport funds

U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, announced Monday that the Watertown International Airport has been awarded a $2 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration.

The grant will be used to reconstruct a taxiway at the airport, and for drainage improvements and lighting upgrades, according to a press release issued by Owens.

"This can only further improve the airport, its contributions to economic development in the community and the value it provides to families traveling to and from the area," Owens said. "I am excited to see this work move forward and stand ready to assist in any way that I can."

The funding comes from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program, which provides $3.35 billion annually for similar projects at airports across the country.