The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $2 million grant to improve runway safety at Moloka'i Airport, according to U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai'i.

The money will be used to keep the airport's primary 4,494-foot runway in compliance with federal transportation safety guidelines. Improvements include paving portions of the runway to smooth the edges, filling in a ditch near the southeast section of the runway, and installing concrete drainage pipes to divert water away from landing areas.

There are two runways at the 288-acre airport in Ho'olehua that accommodate passenger, cargo, military and general aviation flights.