The Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport is receiving $52,538 to help rehabilitate its runway.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FAA Airport Improvement Program , which aims to strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure while creating thousands of in-demand jobs in communities surrounding local airports.

“The Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport supports our local economy and helps ensure that people, goods, and a range of cargo get where they need to on time. That’s why we fought for this investment to make sure it can continue to serve the Lower Shore’s businesses, residents, and visitors safely and efficiently,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen in a statement . “We will keep working to secure the funding that helps our local airports remain an engine for economic opportunities so these communities can continue to thrive.”

Resurfacing the Dorchester County airport’s existing runway and taxiway is part of a multi-year plan, according to Airport Director Steve Nuwer. In addition to meeting safety standards and operational needs, the rehab plan includes an environmental impact assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act.

These airport improvements will also contribute to the revitalization of the region. According to Nuwer, a combination of both aviation and non-aviation businesses are located on the airport property, including an engineering firm, flight instruction, aircraft parts distributor, and an aircraft maintenance and repair business. Adjacent to the airport is the Eastern Shore Innovation Center at the Dorchester Regional Technology Park. Just a few miles away is downtown Cambridge and its Main Street community. Since receiving a Maryland Main Street designation  in 2003, more than $3.5 million has been invested into renovating buildings downtown, with more than two dozen businesses moving into the area.

“Our goal is to attract more commercial aviation interests, which adds local jobs and contributes to our local economy. Dorchester County is growing as a destination attraction with the developing Cambridge waterfront, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park, the Hyatt Resort, and of course, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge,” said Nuwer. “Air travel is a growing means of transportation for recreational, commercial, and military interests, and our airport remains an important asset to the county and the region.”

This aviation announcement comes after several other investments in local infrastructure projects for the state, including funding for the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport  and the Hagerstown Regional Airport .