Senators Cantwell and Murray announce over $8.75 million for Bellingham, Pullman, Spokane airports

United States Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray announced a federal grant for Bellingham International Airport, Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport, and Spokane International Airport, on Friday, said Sen. Murray in a news release.

The funding will go toward investing in runways, taxiways, safety, and sustainability projects. Also, terminal, airport-transit connections, and roadway projects.

The grants total $8,773,801 and are part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s new Airport Infrastructure Grants.

Spokane International Airport will get $6,428,595 to expand the existing terminal building by an additional 70,600 square feet to include three new gates and three passenger loading bridges, modernize the existing upper C Concourse gates, and add six new ticket counter locations. Also funding for the construction of roofing, mechanical units and controls, masonry, metal wall panels, water repellents, and painting.

“Spokane Airport’s terminal expansion project is vital to boost the economic growth of the region,” said Sen. Cantwell. “As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, Spokane needs more airport capacity to keep people and goods moving more efficiently. These types of airport infrastructure investments from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law will pay dividends for years to come.”

Bellingham International Airport will get $1,300,000 to connect one of the airport’s major taxiways from its current airfield location to a new midfield connector location. This will improve safety for taxiing aircraft. Also funding to pave the taxiway connector.

“Aviation safety is always priority number one, and Bellingham International Airport’s project to realign its existing taxiway with its newly relocated taxiway puts safety first,” said Sen. Cantwell. “By fully funding this realignment, this grant from the Biden-Harris Infrastructure Law will make it better for pilots navigating between the taxiway and runway.”

The Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport will get $1,045,206 toward constructing a new 45,000-square-foot terminal building to reduce passenger delays. Also, new elevators and mechanical equipment. As well as, a glycol recovery truck for cleaning oil, grease, and fuel spills from aircraft parking stands, also the recovery of glycol which is a key ingredient in antifreeze formulas.

“I’m so proud I could secure federal dollars to support new construction at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport,” said Sen. Murray. “This is going to help cut down delays in getting passengers where they need to go, which I know is a big priority for travelers in Washington state. As Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I’m laser-focused on bringing back more investments to greatly improve and modernize our transportation infrastructure.”

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