Press Release
Rep. Smith: $438,000 in federal funds to upgrade Ocean County’s Miller Airpark, Lakewood AirportRep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) announced today that two Ocean County-based airports will receive federal funding to make airport improvements and improve safety thanks to legislation which Congressman Smith supported. Ocean County Airport in Lacey and Berkeley Townships will receive a grant in the amount of $294,000, and Lakewood Township will receive $144,000 for its municipal airport off Cedar Bridge Avenue. The funding comes through the Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program from Public Law No: 117-58 that Smith supported and voted for in 2021. In addition to the AIG program, the law provides funding for projects to repair and rebuild roads, bridges, rail lines, tunnels, lead-contaminated water pipes and more while boosting commerce, jobs and economic growth. Smith had previously announced $30.2 million in funding for beach replenishment in Ocean County which came from the same legislation. “The FAA grant will support important upgrades to hangar space at Ocean County’s airport,” said Smith. “Similarly, Lakewood Township plans to use its FAA grant to help enhance airport safety by removing obstructions and trimming trees.” Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari, who is the commissioner’s liaison to the county’s airport, welcomed news of the federal grant, which will provide enclosed and secure space for six small planes at Miller Airpark. “Ocean County appreciates the ongoing efforts of Congressman Smith to secure important funds for the Ocean County Airport,” said Vicari. “These funds will help in our efforts to maintain a safe and secure facility by making infrastructure improvements. The airport serves not only small private planes but is an essential part of our emergency response and is key to public safety.” PHOTO: Miller Airpark is administered by the Ocean County Department of Planning. Ocean Aire has been the full service Fixed Base Operator for the Airport since 1998. Steve Reinman, Director of Economic & Industrial Development for Lakewood Township, said “We are making numerous efforts to remove obstructions along the south end of the runway that will enhance safety and lead to more business activity in the airport. We are really pleased to receive this grant. Congressman Smith has been extremely helpful in our managing this relationship with FAA.” Ocean County Airport is a public, FAA-designated General Aviation Airport located five miles southwest of Toms River Township. The airport covers 822 acres of the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley and Lacey Townships. The facility has two runways and a heliport, and accommodates private planes, corporate jets, and emergency services aircraft. Tenants include the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Civil Air Patrol, the Ocean Air Support Squadron, and the emergency medical transport of both the Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corporation (MONOC MedEVAC) and Hackensack Meridian Health (AirMed One). Located in the center of the township's industrial park, Lakewood Airport serves corporate clients, aviation enthusiasts, the township's general population and even baseball fans. Lakewood Airport (FAA 3 digit designation N12) is operated and managed by the Lakewood Township Airport Authority with aviation services provided the FBO, Aviation Charters, Inc. ### |