U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-La., announced Wednesday that the George R. Carr Memorial Air Field in Bogalusa will receive a $197,370 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The grant will fund the design phase of a 1,500-foot partial parallel taxiway and a 300-foot connector taxiway, eliminating the need for the aircraft to back/taxi on the runway.

Additionally, the grant will also fund the design phase for removal of the airport obstructions.

“The George R. Carr Memorial Air Field plays a critical role in the economic development of Washington Parish,” Abraham said. “The funding for these projects will help the airport continue its mission of serving and growing Bogalusa and the surrounding areas by improving the airport.”

Bogalusa Public Works Director James Hall is handling the grant on behalf of the City.

“The grant is definitely helping the airport grow,” Hall said. “We have all kinds of options available having the industrial park right next to the airport. There are options for grants and businesses to come into the industrial park, like UPS.

“All money for the airport comes from the FAA with no matching. That is why we can afford to do all the stuff we do out there at the airport.”