The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a $16.8 million grant to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) Airport to complete the fourth phase of a multi-phase comprehensive taxiway improvement program for Runways 10/28 and 15R/33L.
“This grant demonstrates our commitment to airport infrastructure improvements that ensure the safe travel of the American public,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “As a result of this long-term economic investment, Baltimore area residents and surrounding communities will experience the economic benefits of ongoing construction-related job opportunities.”
This Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will help fund the fourth phase of the overall program, which includes the continued relocation and reconfiguration of various parts of the airport taxiway system to meet FAA safety and design standards, eliminate unclear taxiway configurations, provide a dual parallel taxiway system, and enhance airport capacity to permit unrestricted operations during low-visibility conditions.
Construction on the FAA-funded phase of the program is scheduled to begin later this month and is expected to be completed in the next calendar year. The total program cost is estimated at $67 million, with $37,644,274 in federal funds being used for the first four phases.
“Investing in the long-term efficiency and capacity of our nation’s airports is important to the national transportation system,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “The improvements will enhance the efficiency of the airport, which will benefit both the airlines and the traveling public.”
Over the last 15 years, the FAA has provided more than $200 million in AIP funds to the airport for various airfield development projects.