07.07.22

Cantwell, Murray Announce Nearly $33M Investment to Help Fund Spokane, Seattle-Tacoma and Pullman-Moscow Airports’ Infrastructure Upgrades

Announcement comes one day after Cantwell visit to Spokane Intl. to highlight need to expand airport’s flight capacity in rapidly growing region

SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, (D-WA) Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Spokane International Airport and Pullman-Moscow Airport have been awarded a combined $32.8 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new Airport Terminal Program to support infrastructure upgrades and modernization projects.  The funding was made possible through the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law.

“As our airports are seeing a pre-pandemic level of passenger demand, it’s important that we continue to invest in our airport infrastructure to prepare for future growth,” said Sen. Cantwell. “This $32.8 million in new funding to upgrade airport terminals will expand service in Spokane by adding gate capacity that will bring new flights to additional destinations, construct a brand new airport terminal building in Pullman, and improve the traveler experience in Seattle.”

“Our airports are critical to our economic success in Washington state and this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help modernize airports across the state,” said Sen. Murray. “The upgrades at terminals in Seattle, Spokane, and Pullman will accommodate new passengers, increase accessibility, and improve energy efficiency. These kinds of investments will also help strengthen our supply chains as we work to get goods where they need to go as quickly as possible to lower costs on shelves. As Washington state continues to lead and grow as a hub for travel and commerce, I’m going to keep working to make sure our airports have the resources they need to deliver world class service for everyone who lives in and passes through our state.”

Yesterday, Sen. Cantwell visited Spokane International Airport to underscore the need for federal funding to support efforts to renovate and add additional gates to Terminal C in order to increase flight frequency for existing routes and connect Eastern Washington to new nonstop destinations. Sen. Cantwell previously provided a letter of support for the airport’s grant application to the Department of Transportation.

The following Airport Terminal Program grants were awarded:

$11 million for Spokane Airport Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX).   With ATP funding, the airport can begin Phase I, which will add three additional gates, expand the existing ticketing area, upgrade mechanical and HVAC systems and consolidate the baggage system, improving overall accessibility.  The project is shovel ready with construction starting in August this year.

$11.8 million for Pullman-Moscow Airport Terminal Project.  The $57.1 million terminal project includes a five-fold increase in current terminal capacity, with the ability to accommodate two gates and one charter, compliant security checkpoints, extended airline space, and concessions, while allowing for future expansion.  Construction began in July of this year.

$10 million for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Restroom Modernization Project.  The project includes renovation of five sets of restrooms within concourses B, C, and D which have not been remodeled since 1992.  Deteriorating infrastructure has resulted in a poor customer experience.

Last year, Senators Cantwell and Murray worked hard to secure funding for air travel infrastructure nationwide as part of the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law. With their support, the infrastructure package provided a total of $25 billion for airport improvements, including $5 billion for the Airport Terminal Program, $5 billion for Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control facilities, and $15 billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants. Senators Cantwell and Murray also helped to secure $16 million for Spokane Regional Airport in Airport Rescue Grants to help weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

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