The Shawnee Regional Airport has secured $13.5 million in funding to strengthen the runway and connecting taxiways. The funding was presented by Congresswoman Stephanie Bice as part of the Community Project Funding Grant. The upgrades are expected to extend the pavement’s life by about 10 years and allow larger business, military, medical, and other aircraft to operate safely at the airport. The project is considered an important investment in economic development by helping attract new businesses, support industry expansion, and strengthen connections to regional and national markets. Work is expected to take about a year once work begins.