The Vicksburg Municipal Airport is set to receive a grant that will pay for some upgrades to the facility.

Monday, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in a joint statement announced Vicksburg’s airport was among a total of 18 airports across the state to receive a total of $4.81 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Vicksburg is set to receive $99,558 of that money to expand the apron to 4,350 square yards.

“This large slate of FAA grants will help make targeted improvements that will improve safety, expand capacity and support economic development at airports across our state,” Wicker said.

There was no timeline on when the funds would be received.

“These FAA awards will support much needed infrastructure improvements at airports across the state,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “These rehabilitation, construction, and safety projects will enhance these airports as community assets that support jobs and economic development.”

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said airport officials would begin planning the expansion work once the funds are received.

“Any time you can improve and make an investment in the airport, you make available the potential for more participation,” Flaggs said. “I think the municipal airport, and the airport in Tallulah, are meeting all of the expectations we have, without competing against one another.”

Built in 1948, the general aviation airport has been in operation since 1950.

In addition to the expansion of the apron, which will provide space to tie down five additional aircraft, Vicksburg Municipal Airport Director Ron Grant said the grant will also provide funds for additional security fencing.