Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $5.6 Million for Western Maryland Airports

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced $5,660,000 in federal funding from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for two Western Maryland airports. The grants will be used the fund repairs and improvements to the airports' runways, including the construction of taxiway extensions.

The Richard A Henson Field Airport (HGR) in Hagerstown will receive $260,000, while the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE) in Cumberland will receive $5,400,000.

"Western Maryland's regional airports are a key element of local communities' and businesses' ability to conduct trade and reach their destinations expediently and safely, making them important hubs for local economic activity. These funds are a federal investment in that economic activity and in all of Western Maryland's residents," said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. "I will keep fighting for better roads, bridges and airports for our whole state."

"Regional and general aviation airports serve as an important resource to communities in our state and are vital to maintaining a strong economy - we must ensure their safety," said Senator Van Hollen, member of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees. "I'm committed to making sure Maryland has the funding it needs to keep all of our airports - both large and small - safe and accessible to our residents."

These DOT grants will be awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement 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.