Sens Murray, Cantwell Secure $71M For Washington Airports

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell are celebrating what they describe as a "major infrastructure funding" win for Washington state airports.

Together Murray (D-WA) and Cantwell (D-WA) say they secured $71,089,273 for Evergreen state airports as part of the recently-passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding will be distributed based on guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration, and can be used to improve airport security, capacity, and safety, or to address environmental concerns.

“As Washington state families are flying again in greater and greater numbers, it’s critical that our airports can keep people and goods going where they need to,” Senator Murray said in a written statement. “Washington state’s airports are absolutely vital to our regional economies and this long overdue infrastructure investment will help keep passengers on planes and shipments in the skies, while also cutting harmful emissions. As Washington state continues to lead and grow as a hub for travel and commerce, I’m going to keep working to make sure our airports have the resources they need to deliver world-class service for our communities.”

The $71 million investment in Washington state airports is just a small part of the bill, which set aside a total $25 billion for airports nationwide.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Sea-Tac International Airport — easily Washington's largest airport — is taking home the bulk of the funding, at over $45 million.

“We are deeply grateful to President Biden, Senators Murray and Cantwell, and the rest of the Washington Congressional delegation for their leadership in ensuring the passage of this historic legislation that will help move people and goods more efficiently and sustainably,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Fred Felleman. “For Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, this generational investment in infrastructure will support SEA’s work to reduce wait times, improve the customer experience, help meet the growth that is coming as we fully recover from the pandemic, and strive to become the greenest port in North America.”

Here's a breakdown of which Washington airports will receive the most funding:

• Sea-Tac International: $45,370,622
• Spokane International: $6,427,744
• Tri-Cities Airport: $3,341,702
• Paine Field: $3,142,055
• Bellingham International: $2,912,192
• Boeing Field: $1,316,359

The senators say the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law should help cut down on maintenance backlogs, reducing congestion and emissions near airports, and help the airline industry as it invests in electrification and other low-carbon technologies.

“Washington airports are continuing to grow, and getting much-needed infrastructure dollars to help secure future capacity is important,” Cantwell said.