WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced that Wicomico County has been awarded a $2,500,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for runway rehabilitation at the Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY).

“Airports on the Eastern Shore keep our regional economy growing with strong businesses and good jobs. We need to do all we can to maintain safety and improve efficiency so they can better serve the neighboring communities,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “I am proud that we can continue to deliver federal investments that will enhance flight operations at Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport.”

“Our regional airports play a key role in maintaining Maryland’s robust economy,” said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds DOT. “These funds in the federal checkbook mean improvements to the Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport runway infrastructure that are critical to keeping the Eastern Shore’s economy moving and Marylanders on the go.”

The funding, which is administered through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), will be used for Phase 1 of the rehabilitation project of cross-wind Runway 5-23. During Phase 1, one third of the runway’s sub base and pavement surfaces, as well as the associated runway edge lighting and navigational aids will be updated. Phases 2 and 3 of the rehabilitation are expected for 2014 and 2015. Once completed, Runway 5-23 will be able to accommodate all aircraft types expected to operate at SBY through 2040.   

The AIP provides federal funding for the planning and development of public-use airports that are significant to national air travel and included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. AIP funds are supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources. The funds can be used for exterior capital improvements and repairs including: new runways, aprons, lighting, planning and land purchases.