WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced $5 million in federal funding for the Greater Cumberland Airport from the Department of Transportation (DOT). This funding will go towards repairing and maintaining the structural integrity of the airports’ runways and helping the airport meet other operational needs.

“This federal investment in Allegany County will benefit the many businesses and residents who depend on our regional airports,” said Senator Cardin, the senior Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “I will continue to advocate for strong federal funding for airports throughout Maryland.”

“The Greater Cumberland Airport serves as an important resource to the community and is vital to maintaining a strong local economy,” said Senator Van Hollen, member of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees. “I will keep working in Congress to ensure that Maryland has the funding it needs to keep all of our airports — large and small — safe and accessible to our residents.” 

These DOT grants are awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement (AIP) Program. The program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings — all while creating thousands of good-paying, local jobs. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen have continuously fought for funding the AIP program which was included in the five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration package. Over the last five years, this program has brought more than $140 million in federal investments to Maryland airports for critical safety improvements.