08.14.24

Cantwell Statement on Opening of Revamped Portland International Airport

Airport’s renovations support doubling of passenger capacity, and will make passenger movements through the airport more efficient

VANCOUVER, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees national aviation policy, released the following statement on the reopening of the Portland International Airport (PDX):

“The passenger-friendly, speedier screening at Portland Airport is the future of air travel. Because so many Washingtonians go through PDX every year, these improvements will save the people of our state thousands of hours every year,” said Sen. Cantwell.

With the conclusion of the first phase of renovations, PDX can now support twice as many passengers, and will do so more efficiently, with quicker security lines and more efficient paths to boarding gates.

Sen. Cantwell recognizes the critical importance of airports to local economies, and worked hard to secure funding for air travel infrastructure nationwide as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With her support, the infrastructure package provided a total of $25 billion for airport improvements, including $5 billion for the Airport Terminal Program (ATP) and $15 billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). Last year, airports across the state of Washington received nearly $200 million in federal funding through a combination of AIG, ATP, and the Airport Improvement Program. In addition, Sen. Cantwell helped to secure over $217 million in Airport Rescue Grants for Washington airports to help them weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May, Sen. Cantwell additionally shepherded the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which reauthorized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for five years. The new law included top Cantwell priorities including enhancing safety oversight, strengthening workforce development, boosting next-generation aviation innovation, and codifying consumer protections.

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