The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) receives notice of an essential step towards grant funding for $5 million, part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Bill. The funds will be utilized for crucial projects at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN).
On Thursday, July 25th, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a transportation infrastructure and housing measure for FY2025, which includes funding for transportation and community development projects in Mississippi. The measure was approved by a 28-1 vote and now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
“This bill outlines specific funding to help communities and programs in Mississippi that can help improve the quality of life for our citizens. There are many needs in Mississippi, and I’ve worked to see that this bill will responsibly help meet those needs,” U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased the bill supports surface, air, and rail transportation projects across the state, as well as housing, workforce development, and community improvement work. There are more steps in the legislative process to go, but this is a good step forward for Mississippi.”
“JMAA’s Board of Commissioners and I are extremely pleased and grateful for funding support for vital infrastructure improvements at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport; as the state of Mississippi’s busiest commercial airport, these are much-needed resources,” stated Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rosa M. Beckett.” Ms. Beckett and the JMAA Commissioners continue to work closely with Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and the entire Mississippi delegation to secure funds for critical infrastructure enhancements to better serve the citizens and visitors to the state’s capital city and central region. JMAA is one of Mississippi’s most significant economic engines, generating nearly $2 billion annually.
JAN Airport continues to see increased traffic demand during 2024, and the passenger numbers for calendar year 2023 were at levels not seen in a decade and a half. As of December 31, 2023, JAN handled nearly 1.29 million travelers, an increase of 5.1% above a strong 2022, and continues to be the busiest in the state of Mississippi by far, serving close to six (6) of every ten (10) passengers traveling to or from the seven (7) commercial airports. The airport terminal and infrastructure are over 60 years old and are in need of critical updates to continue to provide Mississippians and visitors with exceptional travel experience to the region for business or leisure.
JAN is serviced by the top four domestic airlines, including American, Delta, United, and Southwest. JMAA also greatly appreciates our federal partners at FAA and TSA to help keep all customers at JAN safe and moving efficiently to and from their flights.
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ABOUT JMAA
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) operates two airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS). JAN is the busiest airport in Mississippi, situated in the Central part of the state and serving the Capital region of Jackson with over 3,000 acres of property. JAN has service to several of the world’s busiest global hubs and is home to the Mississippi Air National Guard 172nd Airlift Wing. HKS is a general aviation airport that houses two emergency response medical air transporters and the Civil Air Patrol. It is also home to the Mississippi Army National Guard 185th Aviation Brigade. The Authority provides service to nearly 1.29 million passengers per year.