Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind., announced Tuesday a $208,000 federal transportation grant for the Porter County Municipal Airport earmarked for taxiway rehabilitation.

"Airports are great engines for economic activity," said Visclosky in a written statement. "The Porter County Municipal airport plays an important role in the Northwest Indiana economy, and I am happy to help it leverage federal funding.

"This investment will help ensure that the airport's facilities meet the demands of being a busy general aviation airport and that it continues to create economic opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana."

The grant will provide funds to rehabilitate Taxiway H, which is reaching the end of its usefulness, Visclosky said.

By rehabilitating the taxiway, the airport will ensure the continuity of its operations, which generate an estimated $13.7 million in economic activity, according to an Indiana Department of Transportation study.

Visclosky also has helped secure grants and championed improvements at the Gary/Chicago International Airport, which has been a major focus of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority.

"Northwest Indiana's airports remain an important resource with tremendous economic potential for the region," said Visclosky. "I will continue my efforts to secure federal assistance to maintain and improve the region's airports so that their contributions to the local economy increase."