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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded two grants to two state airports in order to increase safety.

Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, announced today that the two grants totaling $166,500 were awarded to the Rugby Municipal Airport Authority and Jamestown Regional Airport Authority.

Rugby Municipal was allotted $85,500 to fund the design of the full rehabilitation of Runway 12/30’s lighting system. The funds will also go towards maintaining the structural integrity of the pavement on the runway, taxiway A and the apron.

The Jamestown Regional Airport received $81,000 to fund a wildlife hazard assessment and plan to identify and mitigate wildlife species that have been observed in the area.

“It’s important to invest in projects that help to ensure the safety of passengers and pilots in North Dakota’s airports,” Hoeven said. “Today’s grants will support projects aimed at doing just that at Rugby Municipal and Jamestown Regional.”

Senator Heidi Heitkamp also gave a statement on the grants.

“Investments in North Dakota’s airports both large and small, will keep North Dakotans safe and on the move well into the future,” said Heitkamp. “These federal funds will make sure the Rugby airport has reliable infrastructure and the Jamestown airport will be able to prevent safety concerns caused by wildlife near the airport.”