By Staff
Special to The Star
June 27, 2002
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved a grant for $500,000 for Meridian.
The grant is part of a new program to help smaller U.S. communities enhance their airline service. Meridian will use the funds to increase Atlantic Southeast Airlines' service to Atlanta.
Meridian will provide $70,000 in local funds for the project in addition to the federal funding.
Pickering, the 3rd District Republican congressman, said that he is "pleased that the Bush Administration is stepping up to help communities across America, including Meridian, make improvements to their local air service.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the grant "will help Meridian address its air service needs. We will monitor Meridian's program and use the results to better assist other communities in the future."