WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) applaud the award of $10,750,084 in funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for infrastructure improvements at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport.
“Improving and upgrading Maryland’s public infrastructure is a critical element of our recovery from the economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. BWI airport is a major transportation hub and an economic driver for our state and region. These federal funds will ensure the airport’s continued reliability and safety of passengers,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works’ Committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.
“BWI serves as a crucial connector for Maryland’s economy. This investment will help ensure BWI’s ability to provide safe and efficient service – as well as to continue serving as a delivery point for essential COVID-19 supplies,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “We will keep working to support Maryland’s transportation and infrastructure in order to strengthen our economy and create local jobs.”
“This new federal investment in BWI’s terminals and taxiways will help upgrade one of Maryland’s most important economic and transportation hubs,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Continuing to improve and modernize our infrastructure will help us weather the financial challenges posed by COVID-19 and recover from the current economic downturn.”
Funding will be divided between two projects:
- $8,550,084 to repair and rehabilitate BWI’s main taxiway. See here for more information about the project.
- $2,200,000 to expand the existing terminal building Pier A and B to accommodate increased passengers and baggage. See here for additional information about the project.
Funds authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which waived local cost-share requirements for federal airport grants through FY2020, will help cover state and local funding obligations for the projects.
The Maryland Congressional Delegation previously announced significant CARES Act funding for BWI Airport and other airports across the state.
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