Foss Waterway Development Authority recently received $30,000 for "planning and environmental investigation for a proposed seaplane base," according to a statement released recently by WSDOT officials. Similarly, $5,906 in state funds and $224,413 in federal funds will be directed to Pierce County for "Runway 17\/35 rehabilitation and design engineering" at Tacoma Narrows Airport.<\/p>\n
Twenty-six Washington airports will receive a share of nearly $12 million in federal, state and local funds to maintain airport pavements, improve safety and enhance security. Of that amount the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) contributed $1.1 million through its Airport Aid Grant Program, and used $433,290 in state funds to leverage more than $9 million in federal grants.
\nAbout two-thirds of the funding for the 32 airport improvement projects are focused on airport pavements. WSDOT places a funding priority on maintaining strong airport pavements to preserve facilities and improve safety. This is the first round of Airport Aid grants awarded during the 2011-2013 biennium. WSDOT anticipates awarding the next round of grants in spring 2012.<\/p>\n
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WSDOT’s airport grant program provides funding each year to many of the state’s 138 public airports, and leverages millions of dollars in federal grants by using a relatively minimal amount of state and local match contributions. These grants aim to support the airport system in Washington that supports more than 171,000 jobs and generates $4.1 billion in wages annually, according to WSDOT officials. WSDOT’s airport grant program is funded by an 11-cent fee on aviation fuel and a portion of the state aircraft registration fees.
\nFor the complete airport project list, visit http:\/\/www.wsdot.wa.gov\/aviation\/Grants\/GrantRecipients.htm . For more information on WSDOT’s Airport Aid Grant Program, visit http:\/\/www.wsdot.wa.gov\/aviation\/Grants\/default.htm .
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