Van Hollen, Cardin Announce over $12 Million for Western Maryland Airports

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced $12,030,000 in federal funding for the Hagerstown Regional Airport and the Garrett County Airport through the Department of Transportation (DOT). The grants will be used to fund repairs and improvements to the airports' runways, including the construction of taxiway extensions. The Hagerstown Regional Airport will receive $5,400,000, and the Garrett County Airport will receive $6,630,000.

“Maryland’s regional airports are a crucial asset to our local economy. Both Hagerstown Regional Airport and Garrett County Airport allow visitors and residents the ability to travel and do business quickly and safely. They also help connect our local industries to opportunities across the mid-Atlantic region, growing their potential and our economy,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations committees. “I will keep working in Congress to ensure that Maryland has the funding it needs to keep our regional airports safe and accessible to all.”

“Small airports are important hubs for connecting communities and businesses throughout Western Maryland,” said Senator Cardin, the senior Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “I am pleased by this federal investment and will continue to fight for much needed improvements to all of Maryland’s transportation infrastructure.”

These DOT grants were awarded through the FY18 Airport Improvement (AIP) Supplemental Appropriation 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.

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