09.02.22

Cantwell Celebrates $8.4 Million Federal Grant to Help Complete Repaving Project at Skagit Regional Airport

FAA announces awards for eight infrastructure improvements at Washington state airports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Skagit Regional Airport is receiving $8,461,054 to help pay for the final phase of reconstructing its general aviation apron.

The funding comes from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which supports infrastructure at the nation’s airports.

This funding will help Skagit Regional Airport finish rehabilitating 35,000 square yards of the existing general aviation apron, which has reached the end of its useful life.

“The Port of Skagit’s job is to manage the airport, which is owned by taxpayers, in a way that serves the entire community,” Port of Skagit Commissioner Kevin Ware said. “The meaningful assistance that we’ve received from our federal delegation leading to this airport improvement grant is an investment that will pay dividends in a number of ways for our community’s future, including the support of airport services ranging from FedEx to medical ambulance, as well as the economic benefit of attracting businesses to locate here.”

The grant for Skagit Regional Airport was the largest of eight awards made to Washington state airports by the FAA on Tuesday. Together, Washington airports received a total of $17.44 million.

AIP funds can be invested in runways, taxiways, equipment and sustainability projects, which help maintain a safe and efficient airport system for the traveling public. The FAA awards more than $3.2 billion in AIP funding each year to sustain and improve critical airport infrastructure.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Sen. Cantwell is a strong proponent of the AIP. She’s also a longtime champion of investing in our nation’s airports -- last year, she supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included $25 billion in new airport infrastructure improvements.