CANTON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Akron-Canton Regional Airport Authority will receive $175,000 in federal funding through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program.

 

The grant will fund the acquisition of 35 new vehicle movement area transponders, bringing the airport into conformity with current federal safety standards. Vehicle movement area transponders track ground vehicles operating on runways, taxiways, and other restricted airfield surfaces, giving air traffic controllers real-time visibility into airfield activity and reducing the risk of runway incursions.

 

The funding comes through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program, which provides federal grants to public-use airports for projects related to safety, capacity, and infrastructure. Akron-Canton Regional Airport serves as a key transportation and economic hub for Summit and Stark counties, supporting commercial passenger service, cargo operations, and general aviation.

 

“This federal investment in Akron-Canton Airport strengthens safety for everyone who works and travels through the airport. I'm proud to have helped secure this funding, and I'll keep working to bring resources home to Ohio's 13th District,” said Congresswoman Sykes. “Every dollar we bring home for projects like this one means a safer, stronger airport for the families and businesses that depend on it.”

 

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Sykes for her continued commitment to aviation and for helping secure this Airport Improvement Program grant,” said Ren Camacho, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Airport. “This funding will allow CAK to equip our airfield vehicles with Vehicle Movement Area Transponders, adding another important layer of safety by improving visibility and situational awareness across the airfield.”

 

This announcement follows Congresswoman Sykes' ongoing efforts to secure federal infrastructure funding for Ohio's 13th District, including previous investments in transportation, aviation, and public safety projects across Summit, Stark, and Portage counties.