{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/05/nunn-secures-2-5-million-federal-investment-to-expand-ankeny-regional-airport-runway/", "Nunn Secures $2.5 Million Federal Investment to Expand Ankeny Regional Airport Runway", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cCentral Iowa is competing with every metro in the Midwest to attract new employers, create good-paying jobs, and grow our economy,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cA modern airport is a key part of that equation. Extending this runway means more businesses can reach Iowa, invest here, and create opportunities for our communities. By completing the extension during the airport\u2019s scheduled runway reconstruction, we\u2019re also reducing costs, minimizing disruptions, and delivering a smarter return for taxpayers.\u201d\n\nRep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The Polk County Aviation Authority will administer the federal award as part of the airport\u2019s larger runway improvement project.\n\nThe project extends Runway 18-36 from 5,500 feet to 6,000 feet, allowing the airport to safely accommodate a broader range of business-class aircraft that connect Central Iowa employers with customers, suppliers, and investment opportunities nationwide. Located along the Interstate 35 corridor, Ankeny Regional Airport serves as an important transportation asset to one of Iowa\u2019s fastest-growing regions.\n\nBy coordinating the runway extension with the airport\u2019s planned full runway reconstruction, the project will eliminate the need for a second runway closure, streamline construction activities to reduce costs, and save taxpayers an estimated $1 million, according to the Polk County Aviation Authority.\n\nLocal leaders praised the investment and its impact on the community.\n\n\u201cThe CPF grant that Congressman Zach Nunn was able to secure to help pay for the 500 foot extension to runway 18-36 at the Ankeny Regional Airport will save the taxpayers of Ankeny and unincorporated Polk County millions of dollars,\u201d said Jeff Wangsness, Chairperson, Polk County Aviation Authority.\n\n\u201cWe are fortunate in Central Iowa to have both a strong and growing Des Moines Airport and the Ankeny Regional Airport. Together, they meet the commercial and private aviation needs of our region and keep Iowa competitive and connected,\u201d said Bobbi Bentz, Mayor, City of Ankeny. \u201cAnkeny continues to grow because we thoughtfully invest in infrastructure that supports businesses, residents, and future opportunities. Our airport is a key part of that success.\u201d\n\n\u201cExpansion of the Ankeny Regional Airport was one of The Partnership\u2019s federal policy priorities because strong transportation infrastructure helps our region attract and retain businesses and talent,\u201d said Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful to the regional and federal partners whose collaboration helped make this investment possible and will create lasting opportunities for Greater Des Moines.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe vision of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce is to be a connector of all businesses of all sizes within our community,\u201d said Aaron Rickelman, Board Chair, Ankeny Chamber of Commerce. \u201cThe growth and expansion of Ankeny Regional Airport\u2019s runway is going to expand large employers\u2019 opportunity to come to Ankeny and do their business, and that creates a waterfall effect for small businesses by bringing more jobs, more customers, and more services to our area. With a focus on large business development, we have a great impact on small business development.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Ankeny continues to grow, we have to make sure our infrastructure grows with it,\u201d said State Rep. Ryan Weldon. \u201cThis investment strengthens one of our community\u2019s most important transportation assets, supports local businesses, and positions central Iowa for continued economic growth. I appreciate Congressman Nunn for securing this funding and continuing to deliver the federal resources our communities need to succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Ankeny Regional Airport is a key asset for Polk County\u2019s economy and a major reason businesses choose to invest in central Iowa,\u201d said Polk County Supervisor Mark Holm. \u201cThis runway expansion will strengthen our region\u2019s competitiveness while saving taxpayers money through smart planning. We\u2019re grateful to Congressman Nunn for securing this investment and helping move this important project forward.\u201d\n\nPhotos from today\u2019s press conference are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/05/nunn-secures-2-5-million-federal-investment-to-expand-ankeny-regional-airport-runway/"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4355909079313278, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}