DRIVING THE NEWS: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy & Congressman John McGuire Meet with Virginians and Business Leaders to Discuss Transportation Needs
Lynchburg Regional Airport will receive $8 million to invest in family-friendly facilities
LYNCHBURG, VA – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Congressman John McGuire (VA-05) today toured Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District before meeting with local business owners, aviation stakeholders and transit partners. At a roundtable with locals and business leaders, the pair discussed how the Trump Administration is building big, beautiful infrastructure projects in Southern Virginia.
"It’s great to be in Lynchburg today and see up close and personal the tremendous job Congressman McGuire is doing to deliver for Virginians. His advocacy has helped secure investments that have made local roads safer, transit more reliable, and infrastructure at Lynchburg Regional Airport safer and more family friendly,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “This Administration recognizes that our rural communities are the backbone of this country, doing hard work to transport goods, farm lands, and raise patriotic families. This is where America’s heart beats.”
Southern Virginia for 91 years
“The Commonwealth of Virginia is rich with history, commonly referred to as the gateway to the Bill of Rights,” said Virginia Representative John McGuire (VA-05). “As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I was honored to give Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy a tour of Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District. The tour, which included lunch at local favorite the Texas Inn, the Appomattox battlefield where the Civil War ended and our nation united, and a tour of the Lynchburg Regional Airport, provided Secretary Duffy a beautiful look at what makes Virginia so special. I would like to thank the airport staff who are working hard to provide a smooth trip in and out of the district, and growing their offerings with new flights to Chicago and Washington, D.C. People are flocking to Virginia, and it’s easy to see why. I want to thank Secretary Duffy and President Trump for prioritizing infrastructure projects, reversing Biden-era transportation disasters, and truly making travel great again.”
Thanks to the Trump Administration, Lynchburg Regional Airport will receive $8 million to invest in family friendly facilities, including a terminal expansion, additional public seating, and extending greeter areas.
The airport will also see infrastructure improvements through the following upgrades:
- Replacements for their ancient copper wire telecommunications with fiber which will be done by early next year.
- New radars that help controllers identify and track aircraft positions by February 2027.
- New displays for controllers to improve situational awareness by March 2027.
- New radios for pilots to communicate clearly by January 2028.
$8 million for family friendly improvements
America is Building Again in Virginia:
Foster Fuels CEO Watt Foster, Jr.:
“Reliable transportation infrastructure is essential to the work we do every day. From serving local customers to supporting emergency response operations on a national scale, we rely on dependable roads, supply chains, and logistics networks to respond when communities need us most. We appreciate Secretary Duffy and Congressman McGuire bringing this conversation to Central Virginia and giving businesses like Foster Fuels the opportunity to share what we’re seeing on the ground.”
Liberty University School of Aeronautics Dean Steven Brinly:
“We are honored to welcome Secretary Duffy to Lynchburg and showcase Central Virginia's impact as a hub for innovation, training, and growth in transportation. This visit also highlights Lynchburg Regional Airport's role as a platform for developing future aviation leaders and strengthening the nation's workforce pipeline. Through strong partnerships with Congressman McGuire, local leaders, and industry stakeholders, we are advancing a shared commitment to building a vibrant, connected transportation system that serves both our community and the nation. At Liberty University, we are proud to contribute to that vision by equipping, mentoring, and sending the next generation of aviation professionals into the industry.”
Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance CEO & CFO Megan Lucas:
“From nuclear energy to advanced manufacturing and nutrition, the Lynchburg Region sits at a critical crossroads of transportation and commerce. Anchored by U.S. Routes 29 and 460, connected to key freight and passenger rail lines, and served by a growing commercial and general aviation airport, our region is a hub of opportunity, well-positioned, well-connected, and open for business. We are grateful to Secretary Duffy and Congressman McGuire for visiting our community, taking the time to listen directly to local concerns and priorities, and for their continued commitment to strengthening our nation’s infrastructure and serving Virginia’s 5th District.”
Lynchburg Regional Airport Director Cedric Simon:
“Staff at Lynchburg Regional Airport is excited to host U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy and Congressman McGuire. Support from the FAA and our elected officials has greatly contributed to major investments in recent years. Under the Airport Capital Improvement Program Runway 4-22 was milled and overlaid with new asphalt in the summer of 2025. Additionally, the Small Community Air Service Development Program was crucial in United Airlines starting new service. We are excited to show Mr. Duffy and Mr. McGuire our facilities and highlight the areas in which Lynchburg Regional Airport will continue to grow.”