09.09.24

WA Airports Get $48M For Critical Modernization Projects

Cantwell announces $18.1M for Spokane Airport, $12.7M for Tri-Cities Airport to replace taxiways; Airports in SeaTac, Arlington, Hoquiam, Olympia, and Shelton all receive funding

EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced today that seven airports across the State of Washington received a total of $48,088,774 through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Sen. Cantwell championed a $650 million annual increase to the AIP, boosting the important program to $4 billion per year in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which President Biden signed into law in May.

AIP funding announced today includes:

  • Spokane International Airport: $18,162,037
  • Tri-Cities Airport (Pasco): $12,734,150
  • Arlington Municipal Airport: $5,178,070
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: $5,034,379
  • Sanderson Field (Shelton): $4,300,328
  • Bowerman Airport (Hoquiam): $2,550,000
  • Olympia Regional Airport: $129,810

Spokane Award:

Spokane International Airport will receive $18,162,037 to fund design and reconstruction of the airport's Taxiway A.

“Spokane is on the move — last year the airport welcomed a record 4.13 million travelers. With the opening of the new terminal building, this funding will help rehabilitate runway infrastructure to accommodate this added capacity at the airport,” Sen. Cantwell said.

Tri-Cities Awards:

Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco will receive $12,734,150 to fund shifting the airport's Taxiway D and Runway 12/30 to the northwest, bringing both into conformity with current standards.

“Central Washington is a critical cog in our state’s economic growth and innovation, and Tri-Cities Airport is a major player in that recipe for success. With a record travel year last year at the airport, this funding will help improve safety and runway infrastructure resiliency to keep pace with demand and future growth,” Sen. Cantwell said.

Puget Sound Region Awards:

Arlington Municipal Airport will receive $5,178,070 to fund the reconstruction or rehabilitation of five airport taxiways.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will receive a total of $5,034,379 for two projects. A $4,584,379 award will fund a study of noise exposure at the airport and in surrounding areas. A $450,000 award will help SeaTac Airport conduct necessary testing to help facilitate the airport’s reduction of the impacts of PFAS firefighting foams at the airport or within five miles of the airport.

Olympia Airport will receive $129,810 to fund the purchase and installation of two zero-emissions vehicles and a recharger. 

“Puget Sound is a major gateway for travelers and businesses in Washington state, and our airports are critically linked to our economic strength. This funding will help rehabilitate infrastructure and build electric charging infrastructure at general aviation airports in Arlington and Olympia, and fund studies to reduce aviation noise and impacts to the environment at SeaTac Airport,” Sen. Cantwell said.

Olympic Peninsula Awards:

Sanderson Field in Shelton will receive $4,300,328 to fund rehabilitation of two airport taxiways.

Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam will receive $2,550,000 to reconstruct pavement of the airport's general aviation apron and taxilane.

“General aviation airports are so important to our local communities on the Peninsula, whether for aviation enthusiasts or business travelers. This funding will be crucial in modernizing and improving airport infrastructure to increase longevity and safety at Sanderson Field in Shelton and Bowerman Field in Grays Harbor,” Sen. Cantwell said.

Sen. Cantwell worked hard to secure funding for air travel infrastructure nationwide as part of the 2021 BIL. With her support, the infrastructure package provided a total of $25 billion for airport improvements, including $5 billion for the Airport Terminal Program and $15 billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants. 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 also 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.