WASHINGTON — In just the first six months of 2024, Washington state airports have received over $47 million in federal funding, according to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.
Cantwell serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and said 28 airports across the state have received funding through the Airport Improvement Program. The money has also come from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program and the Airport Terminal Program.
This funding is critical as air travel is expected to hit all-time highs and airports prepare for record-setting travel season this summer.
“Just halfway through this year, 28 airports across Washington state received over $47 million in federal funding to add flight capacity, modernize aging airport facilities, increase safety, and enhance the overall passenger experience for the traveling public. Washington airports are vital to our state and local economies, contributing more than $107 billion in economic impact while creating over 400,000 high-paying jobs,” Cantwell said. “We’re already reaping the benefits from these federal investments — opening a new terminal this year in Spokane, making airport road access improvements at SeaTac, and connecting our rural and urban communities.”
According to the Transportation Security Administration, in June the agency set a record for the most passengers screened in a single day. On June 23 they screened nearly 3 million travelers.
Cantwell championed a $600 million annual increase to the AIP. This would boost the program to $4 billion per year in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, a statement said.
“Puget Sound is a critical gateway for international business and tourism in the State of Washington. With airport passenger volume forecasted to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year at airports like SeaTac, it is critical we ensure our airport infrastructure is up-to-date to keep pace with the demand for travel. We are in the era of the Pacific, and improving our airport infrastructure will significantly enhance our global competitiveness and provide a welcome boost to our local economy,” Cantwell said.
