05.17.22

Eastern WA Airports Receive $22.65 Million in FAA Grants

Cantwell applauds award: “These grants will help ensure that our airports grow in tandem with the regions they serve”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) celebrated the award of six grants from the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) totaling $22.65 million that will help fund renovations for airports in Whitman, Pend Oreille, Spokane and Adams counties.

The FAA awarded more than $608 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to airports across the country on Thursday. Washington state airports received 29 grants totaling $38.68 million dollars, the second-highest allocation to any one state.  AIP grants fund airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings.

“As we continue our pandemic recovery, more Washingtonians are taking to the skies and showing just how crucial it is to make investments now in our airport infrastructure to prepare for future growth,” Senator Cantwell said. “This $38.68 million in airport infrastructure funding will play a vital role in maintaining Washington state’s airport conditions and increasing passenger capacity. These grants will help ensure that our airports grow in tandem with the regions they serve.”

 

Whitman County

  • $10 million to Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport to construct a new 45,000 square foot terminal building to reduce passenger delay. The award will cover the fifth phase of the project, which encompasses site preparation: laying the foundation, extending utilities and constructing structural steel and framing.
  • $11 million to Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport to provide funding for the first phase of a new 48,000 square-yard terminal apron. The first phase includes design and construction of 26,880 square yards.
  • $600,000 to Port of Whitman Business Center Airport for sealing and repairing cracks on 6,909 feet of runway and taxiway pavement and 8,800 square yards of apron pavement.

Pend Oreille County

  • $600,000 to Ione Municipal Airport to improve the runway safety area and enhance the safety of operations. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction.

Spokane County

  • $300,000 to Deer Park Airport for sealing and repairing cracks on 19,610 feet of runway, taxiway and taxilane pavement and 4,600 square yards of apron pavement.

Adams County

  • $150,000 to update the Othello Municipal Airport Master Plan or Study. This project updates the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan to address key issues, objectives and goals pertinent to the airport's future development.

 

As Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Cantwell has long supported airports throughout the State of Washington. Last year, Senator Cantwell announced two rounds of AIP funds totaling $45 million for airports within the state.  In June, Senator Cantwell additionally announced over $217 million in grants from the Airport Rescue Grants program awarded to Washington airports to help keep people safe and employed by reimbursing operational expenses, debt service payments, and costs related to combating the spread of COVID-19.

An interactive map listing each of the AIP awards nationwide can be viewed HERE.

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