WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant for $15 million to rehabilitate two of its aprons.

“Baltimore-Washington International Airport is a critical hub for Maryland’s economy and I am committed to ensuring it has the resources it needs,” said Senator Cardin. “Continued federal investment will ensure that it meets the best aviation standards for safety and reliability while supporting our local community and businesses.”

 “The Baltimore-Washington International Airport is critical to Maryland’s economy, and to those who use it to stay connected to jobs and family,” said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “I am committed to making sure it has the federal resources it needs to meet the best aviation safety standards while keeping Marylanders on the move.”

The funds will be used to rehabilitate two of the airport’s aprons, on Piers C and D. The apron is a critical area on the exterior of the airport where aircraft are typically loaded and unloaded, parked, refueled and boarded. The apron is used by airport personnel and must be carefully maintained to ensure a safe working environment.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides both formula and discretionary funding to airports. Revenues for AIP come from airport user fees and fuel taxes. Congress provided $3.5 billion for AIP this year. This funding can be used for exterior capital improvements and repairs including: new runways, aprons, lighting, planning and land purchases.