U.S. Senator Brian Schatz secured $1 million in congressionally directed spending, also known as an earmark, in this year’s appropriations deal for the Molokai Airport, according to the congressman’s office.

The funding will be used to rehabilitate the runway and taxiways at the airport. The work is being done in an effort to prevent future airport disruptions.

“For many residents on Molokai, air travel is critical for daily life — it helps people get to work, reach medical care, and stay connected with family and friends,” Schatz said in a statement. “This new earmark funding will help improve the Molokai Airport, making its runway and taxiways safer and more resilient.”