(Photo courtesy of Hawaii Department of Transportation)

Hilo International Airport will receive $2,850,161 to upgrade passenger loading bridges that are nearly 20 years old, according to Hawaii’s congressional leaders.

The money comes through a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

It will be used to replace four existing passenger loading bridges – or jetways – that are 18 years old and in need of repair.

“Maintaining our airports is critical to ensuring that residents and visitors can travel in and out of the state and move safely from island to island,” Sen. Daniel Inouye said. “These funds will help ensure that a small hub like Hilo is up to date with the latest equipment.”

“This FAA grant will help the Hilo airport modernize,” Sen. Daniel Akaka said. “It will encourage interisland travel by providing tourists and residents with more efficient facilities.”

There are a total of seven jetways at Hilo International Airport. The other three passenger loading bridges recently were replaced.

— Find out more:
http://hawaii.gov/ito