WASHINGTON — Hawaii U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye announced today that Hilo International Airport will receive a federal grant of nearly $9.1 million to expand the airport's aircraft cargo apron.

"Air cargo operations are increasing at Hilo International," Inouye said. "This grant will help ensure that the airport is capable of meeting the needs of its growing air cargo operation."

The grant of $9,056,365 from the Federal Aviation Administration will be used to construct a nearly 370,000-square-foot cargo apron and connecting taxiways.