Federal funds land at ILM

Almost a million dollars of federal money is soaring its way into Wilmington International Airport.

ILM directors were presented with a check for more than $900,000. The grant money, from federal funds, was presented by Congressman Mike McIntyre.

Airport directors say the money will go toward repairing miles of the air carrier apron where airplanes roll in. Cracked and broken concrete will be replaced.

Officials say more than 800,000 passengers flew through ILM last year and repairing the apron will only enhance the travel experience.

"We need to maintain the airport to ensure that we can continue to provide that level of service as well as continue our growth and this check will help us maintain and in some cases repair the commercial apron out behind me,” said John Lennon, an airport authority board member.

ILM was awarded the grant money from a pool of nation wide airports.

Congressman McIntyre says the grant money will continue to help ILM grow and boost our local economy.