WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $477 million in airport infrastructure grants, the third allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.   

“This significant investment in airport improvements in Washington State will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The Washington State grants include awards of:

• Three grants totaling $27,493,361 to Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport to construct a new runway, install perimeter fencing, purchase a new emergency generator and snow removal equipment, and install runway incursion markings.
• Two grants totaling $5,360,223 to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to rebuild perimeter fencing and rebuild a terminal building.
• $2.5 million to Boeing Field/King County International Airport to construct a snow-removal equipment building and repair runway and taxiway lighting.
• $1,903,500 to Tri -Cities Airport in Pasco to acquire snow removal equipment and aircraft deicing equipment.
• Two grants totaling $1.8 million to Walla Walla Regional Airport for runway repairs and acquiring snow-removal equipment.
• Two grants totaling $555,000 to Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee to conduct an environmental study, modify the terminal building and acquire safety and security equipment. 

There will be a total of 276 grants to 264 airports in 45 states, the Pacific Islands, and the District of Columbia. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports’ safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airport’s region.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure. 

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.