Toledo, Ohio – Two Northwest Ohio airports are receiving nearly $290,000 in federal funding for projects aimed at improving infrastructure, safety and future operations.
U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced the awards from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration.
The Defiance County Regional Airport Authority will receive $192,887 for pavement reconstruction, while the Put-in-Bay Township Port Authority will receive $96,710 for an airport-wide obstruction survey. Combined, the two awards total $289,597.
Kaptur said partnerships between federal agencies and local communities are important for maintaining and improving Northwest Ohio’s aviation system.
“Ohio’s strong aviation history shines bright across our Great Lakes region, and it is a privilege to build upon it by investing in local airport innovation and expansion,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Creating partnerships between Federal agencies and our local communities is vital to Northwest Ohio’ continued success. Working together to deliver these awards makes our airports safer and more efficient for all aviation staff, customers, and the businesses that rely on them. Together we are creating a standard of excellence that will help our region thrive for all the generations to come.”
Defiance airport funding will support final pavement reconstruction phase
Defiance County Memorial Airport, which has been described as Northwest Ohio’s “gateway to business and community,” has undergone several improvements in recent years as officials work to upgrade its infrastructure.
The latest $192,887 federal award will support the final phase of a project to reconstruct 1,091 square yards of pavement on the airport’s East Apron. The existing pavement has reached the end of its useful life, making reconstruction necessary for continued airport operations.
The Put-in-Bay Airport will use its $96,710 award for a different type of project.
Located on South Bass Island, the airport serves small commercial carriers as well as private aviators. Flights using the facility can transport freight or bring vacationers and other visitors to the island.
The federal funding will allow the airport to conduct a survey of obstructions across the facility. The project will collect detailed environmental and aeronautical information.
That data can help identify issues affecting aircraft operations and improve the safety of landings and takeoffs. The information collected through the survey can also assist officials when making decisions about future airport planning and improvements.
The latest awards continue a series of federal investments announced for airports throughout Northwest Ohio during 2026.
In July, Kaptur announced more than $3.67 million in awards for airports in the Toledo area. She also announced more than $7.8 million for three regional facilities, including Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Toledo Executive Airport and Fulton County Airport.
Earlier in the year, Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport received another major federal investment. Kaptur announced a $1.4 million award for the airport on May 18.
Just days earlier, on May 12, she announced more than $1 million in federal funding for infrastructure work at Williams County Regional Airport, Defiance Memorial Airport and Sandusky County Regional Airport.
The newest $289,597 in combined funding adds to those previous investments while addressing two different needs. Defiance County Memorial Airport will be able to continue replacing aging pavement, while Put-in-Bay Airport will gather information aimed at improving aviation safety and helping guide future planning.
Together, the projects are intended to support safer and more efficient airport operations while maintaining transportation connections that serve businesses, residents, travelers and aviation workers throughout Northwest Ohio.
