Frederick, MD — U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-MD) today joined federal, state and local officials to officially break ground on construction for a new air traffic control tower to be built at Frederick Municipal Airport. The FAA is funding the $5.3 million tower project through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).   Construction is expected to begin almost immediately, with completion expected within 18 months.   

“Frederick Municipal Airport is an important hub in our State’s transportation network. I was proud to support the City’s plan for the new air traffic control tower that will help increase safety, enhance regional security and attract greater economic development for the region,” said Senator Cardin.  “Frederick Municipal Airport has expanded in recent years and the new air traffic control tower will ensure that growth continues in a smart and safe manner for its passengers, workers, as well as the airport and local community.”

“The Frederick Municipal Airport is an economic engine for the region and it’s one of my priorities,” Senator Mikulski said. “This new Air Traffic Control tower will improve safety at Frederick’s airport for the people who work there and for its passengers. It will also create jobs in construction and air traffic control. I will continue to fight for the Frederick Municipal Airport because it’s about jobs, jobs, jobs in Frederick County.”

The Frederick Municipal Airport is a reliever airport and is the second busiest airport in Maryland in takeoffs and landings after BWI/Thurgood Marshall in Anne Arundel County.  Frederick Municipal Airport currently has in excess of 130,000 annual operations, which are expected to increase to 165,000 by 2025. The Airport currently maintains two runways and handles a diverse mix of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, turbo jets, turbo propeller, helicopters, experimental, gliders and Presidential helicopter Marine One. In recent years, the largest growth segment for the Airport has been in the area of corporate jets.