U.S. supports Guatemala’s aviation upgrades

U.S. supports Guatemala’s aviation upgrades    The U.S. Trade and Development Agency has awarded a $509,000 grant to Guatemala’s civil aviation authority to further efforts to modernize the Central American country’s airport and aviation infrastructure.
   The Direccion General de Aeronautica Civil (DGAC) will use the grant to assess proposed improvements at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, as well as for upgrades at airports in San Jose on the Pacific Coast and Puerto Barrios on the Caribbean Coast. The study will also examine the expansion of Guatemala’s national civil aviation radar system.
   Since 2002, the Guatemalan government has invested more than $150 million in new construction and enhancements at its airports. “The DGAC intends to continue this undertaking with plans to improve aviation safety and airport operational efficiency and increase air cargo trade,” the USTDA said.
   The USTDA grant to the DGAC will be competed on through the Federal Business Opportunities Web site. A link to the FBO announcement will be posted on the USTDA's Web site. The DGAC will select the U.S. firm to conduct the study.