Rockingham-Hamlet Airport Improvement Project could get a boost from the Airport Investment Reform Act.

The  Airport Investment Reform Act is a bill that would take money from passenger fees and fuel taxes that are usually submitted to Washington's general budget.  Richmond County could qualify for up to $150,000 per year from the Federal Government to make improvements to the airport.  Among the first improvements to be made will be the addition of a taxi way and increasing the size of the apron.  These two projects would allow airplanes to line up and prepare for take-off as other planes are taking off or landing.

Other improvements include increasing the length of the runway by 500 feet to allow private jets to land safely.  A larger terminal building is also part of the improvement plan at the airport.

The additions and improvements would allow larger airplanes to land at the airport.  Larger industries use jets often for business purposes.  The improvements could help the economic growth of the county.