The Airport Infrastructure Grant program, part of the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law, will fund projects to improve safety, increase airport capacity, and stimulate economic growth
WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced the allocation of federal grants for Bellingham International Airport, Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, and Spokane International Airport. Similar to the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) provide vital funding to invest in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.
The grants, totaling $8,773,801, are part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s new Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). The AIG program is funded at $15 billion over 5 years. As with the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), funding is distributed to airports via formula. This funding will help modernize airports and improve the passenger experience, ultimately benefiting both travelers and local businesses.
The federal grants will go to these three airports in the State of Washington:
Spokane International Airport – $6,428,595
- Spokane Airport’s Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) project expands the existing terminal building by an additional 70,600 square feet to include three new gates and three passenger loading bridges, modernizes the existing upper C Concourse gates, and adds six new ticket counter locations. This grant funds the fourth phase, which consists of construction of roofing, mechanical units and controls, masonry, metal wall panels, water repellents, and painting.
“I’m thrilled I could help secure this critical investment to support the expansion of the Spokane International Airport,” said Senator Murray. “Awards like this one go a long way in helping to get passengers and cargo where they need to go. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I’m committed to delivering even more investments like this to strengthen our transportation infrastructure.”
“Spokane Airport’s terminal expansion project is vital to boost the economic growth of the region,” said Senator Cantwell. “As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Spokane needs more airport capacity to keep people and goods moving more efficiently. These types of airport infrastructure investments from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law will pay dividends for years to come.”
Bellingham International Airport – $1,300,000
- This project reconfigures connecting one of the airport’s major taxiways from its current airfield location to a new midfield connector location which will improve safety for taxiing aircrafts. This grant funds the final phase, which consists of paving the taxiway connector.
“I’m glad I could help deliver critical funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help modernize existing taxiway at the Bellingham International Airport,” said Senator Murray. “It’s really important to me that airports across Washington state receive these kinds of investments to deliver the high-quality services travelers count on. And as Chair of the Appropriations, I’m committed to delivering more federal funding to keep our state’s transportation infrastructure strong.”
“Aviation safety is always priority number one, and Bellingham International Airport’s project to realign its existing taxiway with its newly relocated taxiway puts safety first,” said Senator Cantwell. “By fully funding this realignment, this grant from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law will make it better for pilots navigating between the taxiway and runway.”
Pullman – Moscow Regional Airport – $1,045,206
- This project constructs a new 45,000 square foot terminal building to reduce passenger delay. This grant funds the tenth phase, which consists of new elevators and mechanical equipment.
- This project also acquires a glycol recovery truck which is primarily used for cleaning of oil, grease, and fuel spills from aircraft parking stands, as well as the recovery of glycol which is a key ingredient in antifreeze formulas.
“I’m so proud I could secure federal dollars to support new construction at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport,” said Senator Murray. “This is going to help cut down delays in getting passengers where they need to go, which I know is a big priority for travelers in Washington state. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I’m laser-focused on bringing back more investments to greatly improve and modernize our transportation infrastructure.”
”Pullman-Moscow Airport is a critical cog among Washington state’s regional airports,” said Senator Cantwell. “Building a new terminal will not only add capacity in a much needed part of our state, but will also vastly improve the passenger experience for the flying public. Thanks to the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law, our regional airports like Pullman-Moscow are finally getting the funding they need to upgrade their aging infrastructure.”
The grants will also help support local economies by creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. Airport improvements can attract new airlines and flights, boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.
Since the passage of the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law, Senators Cantwell and Murray have succeeded in securing funding for major airport projects across the state. So far the Pullman-Moscow Airport has received a total of over $75.3 million in federal dollars, the Spokane Airport has received over $50.8 million, and Bellingham Airport has received $4.1 million which completes the federal portion of funding for their project. More information on federal funding of Washington airport infrastructure can be found HERE.
For a full list of airports receiving funding, please visit the FAA’s website HERE.
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