EVERETT, Wash., February 27, 2023—Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the Federal Aviation Administration’s announcement of nearly $1 billion to improve terminals at 99 airports nationwide, including $37,365,000 for three critical projects at Seattle-Tacoma International, Spokane International and Pullman-Moscow Regional airports in Washington state.
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, airports in the Pacific Northwest and across the country will be cleaner, greener and more accessible,” said Larsen, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “As more people rely on air travel, building better airport terminals improves the passenger experience, enhances U.S. competitiveness, boosts long-term economic recovery and creates more jobs.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $1 billion annually for five years in the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation initiatives established by the BIL. Last year, the FAA awarded the three airports $32,800,000 in Airport Terminal Program grants.
The FAA awarded a total of $37,365,000 in grants to three Washington airports to improve accessibility and sustainability:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): $16,000,000 to relocate Security Checkpoint 1 from the ticketing level to the lower baggage claim level, which will provide additional screening capacity and improved wait times. The project will include energy efficient upgrades that will meet or exceed all applicable ADA standards.
- Spokane International Airport (GEG): $15,000,000 for the final phase of the Concourse C ‐ West expansion portion of the terminal renovation and expansion (TREX) program. The phase will finalize construction of three additional gates by providing finishes (acoustical ceilings, flooring, millwork, doors, hardware) and elevators. When complete, TREX will accommodate both existing and future passenger demand, provide a LEED certified facility with numerous energy efficient upgrades.
- Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW): $6,365,000 for a third gate and boarding bridge in PUW’s new terminal which will provide additional boarding capacity and decreased wait times.
Historically, the FAA has invested in runways, traffic-control towers and back-of-house infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes dedicated funding to support modernizing airport terminals across the country. For a full list of airports receiving Airport Terminal Program grants, click here.
As the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Larsen is focused on making bold, long-term investments in the nation’s airports and aviation infrastructure to ensure aviation safety, foster innovation in U.S. airspace, improve U.S. competitiveness in the global market and enhance the air travel experience for passengers. Larsen highlighted the importance of aviation safety during a full Committee hearing last month.
SOURCE: Office of Congressman Rick Larsen press release
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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