06.03.22

Eastern WA Airports Get $12.7 Million From FAA to Improve Airport Infrastructure

Pullman/Moscow, Spokane International, Walla Walla Regional each receive grants

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded three grants to fund critical infrastructure projects at Western Washington airports. 

Pullman/Moscow Airport was awarded $7,000,000 to fund construction of the new terminal building.

The grant funds the sixth phase of construction, which consists of constructing all public areas of the building, plus HVAC, plumbing, electrical, baggage handling systems, and one passenger boarding bridge.

Spokane International Airport was awarded $5,335,200 to fund two projects. The grant funds the first phase of construction of a new 1,120-foot taxilane at Spokane International Airport. The new taxilane will allow for more takeoffs and landings at the airport. The grant also funds the first phase of construction of a 30,000 square yard expansion of the existing west terminal apron. The apron is the area used for parking, loading, unloading, and refueling airplanes. A larger apron means that the terminal can accommodate more activity.

Walla Walla Regional Airport was awarded $375,000 to fund two projects. The grant will be used for lighting and safety enhancements to the airport’s Runway 2/20, as well as upgrading signage to meet FAA standards.

As Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Senator Cantwell has long supported airports throughout the State of Washington. Earlier this month, she celebrated the allocation of $38.68 million in FAA Airport Improvement Program grants for airports in Washington, including $21 million to construct the terminal building and a 48,000 square yard terminal apron at Pullman-Moscow Airport, as well as $2.67 million to construct a 6,000 square-foot snow removal equipment building at Bellingham International Airport.

In June 2021, Senator Cantwell announced more than $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.

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