Total Of 31 Airports Will Benefit From Federal, State, Local Funds

Declaring that "we are committed to preserving the state’s aviation system by stretching our state grant funds to the maximum extent," Washington Aviation Operations Manager Stan Allison announced Wednesday the state's Local Airport Aid Grant Program has appropriated $13.3 million for 39 different airport improvement projects throughout the state.

A total of 31 public-use airports in Washington will benefit from WSDOT’s latest round of state, local and federal grants awarded during the 2005-2007 biennium. Of the total $13.3 million awarded, WSDOT used approximately $1.8 million in state grants to fund the projects.

WSDOT also used $288,423 in state funds to leverage more than $10.8 million in federal funds.

"We continue to encourage eligible airports to accept federal funds first," Allison added. "This allows us to leverage millions of federal dollars for important airport improvement projects, while focusing more of our state grants on smaller airports that are not eligible for federal money."

The latest round of grants -- coupled with $1.2 million given in July 2005 -- is the largest amount of grants awarded by WSDOT during a biennium. The state Legislature also supported the effort, by approving WSDOT’s $1.5 million supplemental budget request.

A full rundown of airports slated to receive improvements is available at the FMI link below (Renton Municipal, one of the airports that will benefit, is shown at the right.)

WSDOT's grant program is funded through an 11-cent-per gallon fee on aviation fuel, along with aircraft registration fees. If remaining funds are available, WSDOT may award a third round of grants in early 2007.

"The Legislature and state aviation users have helped to make this a record-breaking biennium for our Local Airport Aid Grant Program,” said Allison. “We will return the favor by delivering quality projects that focus on pavement to improve the health of our state’s system of airports."

WSDOT reports airport improvement projects slated for the 2005-2007 biennium are in the areas of pavement, safety, planning, maintenance, security and runway safety. Pavement maintenance -- the main focus of WSDOT’s grant program (understandable, given the effect Washington's rainy weather has on concrete and asphalt) -- comprises about 78 percent of the planned projects.

Another 42 percent of WSDOT funds have enabled those paving projects, with 64 percent going to smaller airports that are not eligible for federal funding.

FMI: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/