Van Hollen, Cardin, Sarbanes Announce More than $13 Million in Federal Funding for BWI Airport

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced $13,231,306 in federal funding for the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport, including over $3,250,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These funds will help support crucial infrastructure improvements to the airport, which is a major economic driver for our state and region.  

“As we build back better, investing in infrastructure improvements across our state will help create jobs and keep our economy moving. That’s why we’ve fought for federal dollars – including American Rescue Plan funding – for projects like this, to support essential transportation needs that benefit Marylanders,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. “BWI is a crucial connector for our state – we will keep working in Congress to provide federal funding for this critical transportation hub to spur economic growth in our region and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service for Marylanders and visitors alike.”

 “The American Rescue Plan has provided critical federal investment in our state to support our economy and everyday lives as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This new round of federal funding facilitates major upgrades and expansions at BWI Airport to better serve our state and region in the years ahead,” said Senator Cardin, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “The Maryland delegation will continue our efforts in bringing once-in-a-generation infrastructure legislation across the finish line to modernize and improve our transportation infrastructure across the state.”

“Rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure will create jobs, improve safety and boost our economy,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “BWI is a critical economic engine for our region. I will continue to work with the Maryland delegation to secure resources – like those in the American Rescue Plan – to enhance infrastructure across our state.” 

Funding will be divided between two projects: 

• $12,231,306 to shift or reconfigure Taxiway F from its current airfield location to meet Federal Aviation Administration design standards
• $1,000,000 to expand the existing Terminal Concourse A/B connector and baggage handling system by 140,000 square feet to increase capacity to meet the operational needs of the airport

 These funds were provided through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the Maryland Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Maryland Aviation Administration. Funds authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 are available to help cover state and local funding obligations up to 100% of the cost of the project for any grants awarded in FY2020 or FY2021. Members of the Maryland delegation have fought for funding to support our local airports throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and have delivered Maryland airports over $98 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan, over $24 million in funding through the December Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, and over $107 million in funding through the CARES Act.