Newark - U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded more than $2.5 million in federal funds for Atlantic City International Airport.

"We need do all we can to ensure Atlantic City International Airport is as safe, modern and reliable as possible," Sen. Lautenberg said. "These funds will help Atlantic City International acquire the necessary technology and equipment as it expands to meet the future's travel and public safety demands."

"An up-to-date Atlantic City International Airport is important for passenger safety and for the economy of Atlantic City," Sen. Menendez said. "Keeping the planes and passengers safely flowing is good for area residents, good for business at one of our state's top tourist destinations and great for passengers who expect safe travels."

Atlantic City International will receive three separate grants totaling $2,522,600:

• $1,927,078 to create an interactive training system, develop security upgrades and acquire snow removal equipment;
• $451,222 to update the airport's master plan, which was last completed 12 years ago; and
• $144,000 to monitor environmental quality and preserve nearby grassland as part of airport expansion.

Over the past month, Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez have announced nearly $15.2 million in federal funding for upgrades and repairs at airports across New Jersey.

# # #