RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) announced that almost $40 million will be invested to support Virginia airports after signing bipartisan legislation to modernize various aviation projects across the commonwealth. On Friday, Sept. 4, Spanberger celebrated nearly $40 million in ne w Commonwealth Aviation Fund investments to support 65 public airports. The Virginia Aviation Board awarded the funds to support crucial infrastructure and modernization projects. “Airports are essential engines of economic growth, connecting Virginians to new opportunities, supporting businesses, and helping attract investment and jobs across the Commonwealth. These new Commonwealth Aviation Fund investments will strengthen airports in every corner of Virginia, making sure they have the modern infrastructure and resources to keep growing and serving Virginians,” Spanberger said. “We are making smart, strategic investments today that will help Virginia’s aviation system thrive for years to come.” “Virginia’s aviation system is a vital component of Virginia’s transportation infrastructure, supporting the movement of people, goods, and services across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Transportation Nick Donohue. “This funding reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to sustaining a strong, reliable airport network that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike.” Spanberger signed the bipartisan legislation earlier this year to modernize the allocation formula for the Commonwealth Aviation Fund, which was the first change to the formula since it was created in 1986, per the release. The update will direct resources to airports that have high capital needs while still funding the baseline for Virginia's smaller General Aviation airports. This essential change ensures that the commonwealth can support aviation infrastructure improvements across the 65 public-use airports, according to the release. The release stated that the following investment will support these Central Virginia airport projects: Over $24 million for Commercial Service Airports The Richmond International Airport will receive almost $7 million for rescue and firefighting equipment and snow removal equipment, as well as to assist with the security checkpoint relocation. The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport will receive more than $3 million for parking ramp rehabilitation and snow removal equipment. Over $11 million for Regional Business Airports The Richmond Executive-Chesterfield County Airport will match the nearly $5 million in federal funding by receiving more than $200,000 to support runway extension. Over $3 million for Community Business and Local Service Airports The Crewe Municipal Airport will get $1.6 million for runway pavement rehabilitation. The New Kent County Airport will get over $1 million for hangar site preparation. The Farmville Regional Airport will match $500,000 in federal funding and get more than $20,000 toward navigation aids replacement for the runway. The infrastructure improvements will support the growth of the state's aviation system, as airports are a major economic driver in Virginia. The commonwealth's airport system creates $42 billion in economic output, supports almost 220,000 jobs and generates $15.2 billion in wages, according to a study by the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV). "The Commonwealth Aviation Fund ensures Virginia’s airports have the resources to sustain safe operations, modernize key infrastructure, and adapt to the evolving needs of the Commonwealth’s residents and businesses," the release stated. For more information and to see which other airports will receive funding, visit the governor's website here. ...read more read less