WILLIAMSTOWN - The city of Vienna has become the second city to give the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport a monetary boost.

During last week's city council meeting, council voted to give the airport a $2,500 gift, said Mayor David Nohe.

"It's not a large amount, but the airport is vital to (Vienna)," Nohe said. "When businesses look to move into our area, one of the first questions they ask is if we have an airport."

Airport manager Terry Moore said he is pleased that Vienna has chosen to support the airport.

"The amount is not small change, and it will help us in a number of ways," Moore said.

The airport has been having funding problems for several years and continues to have trouble with few people using the airport for commercial travel.

"Every little bit helps," Moore said. "Really, it's the show of support that is tremendous."

Nohe said the airport is vital to Vienna's retail stores.

"It would be detrimental to our retail stores - especially the larger department stores - if the airport were to close," he said.

This gift will join the $500 gift approved from Williamstown City Council earlier this month.

"I appreciate all of the funds, but what it really comes down to is that these two cities support the airport," Moore said.

Moore said he sent out letters of inquiry to all area municipalities and visited several county commissions last year to gain support for the airport.

"The airport needs to know that it has support from the communities near it," Moore said. "With these two contributions, we are getting some show of support."

Nohe said the airport is vital to not just one or two municipalities in the area but to the entire Mid-Ohio Valley.

"It provides for all of us," Nohe said.

In May, Parkersburg City Council rejected a $20,000 contribution for matching funds for a federal grant because other cities had not contributed to the airport.