U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) has announced the awarding of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant for the Lakewood Airport, Lakewood.

The $220,500 grant will be used for the removal of obstructions both on and off airport property that now interfere with runway 6/24, according to a press release from the congressman.

“These federal dollars designated for debris removal will significantly improve Lakewood Airport operations, allowing planes to more safely use the facility, which serves as a key attribute for the Lakewood Office Industrial Park and helps area economic activity,” Smith said.

According to the press release, it has been estimated that after tree and other debris removal, the usable runway length will be about 3,100 feet. The airport, which is in the heart of Lakewood’s Office Industrial Park, is less than 40 minutes’ flying time from numerous East Coast metropolitan international airports.

“The runway improvements will allow safer and more efficient operations at the Lakewood Airport and provide greater surety for future economic activity, including the basing of aircraft at the airport,” Smith said.

Future plans include a hangar project and other enhancements that will make the airport more attractive for basing aircraft there, and keeping the facility businessfriendly for airport users, according to the press release.

Specifically, the grant will fund the trimming and removal of trees and the elimination of debris identified as an obstruction by a study supplied to the FAA. The FAA will oversee the project, which is now in its third and final phase, to ensure the work is properly completed. Lakewood Airport is a general aviation facility.