WSDOT to Fund $900,000 in Airport Improvement Projects
Grant Applications Due May 15
Airport Aid Grant Application (pdf 248 kb)
Need Airport Grant Assistance? Here is Your WSDOT Contact.
Your Aviation Dollars at Work
WSDOT’s Airport Aid Grant Program Focuses on Preservation of Airports
Each year WSDOT’s Local Airport Aid Grant Program provides crucial financial assistance to many of the state’s 138 public airports. Through its grant program WSDOT Aviation has leveraged millions of dollars in federal grants by using a relatively minimal amount of state and local match contributions. During the first round of 2009-2011 biennium grants, WSDOT awarded $900,000 to 35 airport for 41 different projects. Despite a significant projected decline in aviation revenues, WSDOT's Aviation program was able to use approximately $288,682 to leverage $11.2 million in federal funds, bringing the combined state, local and federal grand total to more than $12.6 million.
Who Can Apply?
Any municipality or federally recognized tribe that owns an airport that is open and available for public use can apply.
What is the Maximum Amount Available?
The maximum amount WSDOT Aviation can award to an individual sponsor in a single grant is $250,000. WSDOT requires a minimum local match of 5%. Local matches can be in cash or in-kind volunteer labor and materials; however, the airport sponsor will be required under state law to maintain certain records documenting the number of volunteer hours provided, labor value based on prevailing wage rates, cost or value of donated materials, etc.
What Types of Projects are Eligible?
The intent of the WSDOT Local Airport Aid Grant Program is to provide local agencies with funds to preserve our state system of airports. Airports are critical links to the state transportation network and it is the role of the grant program to fund projects that strengthen Washington’s aviation infrastructure. WSDOT’s Local Airport Aid Grant Program funds projects in the areas of pavement, safety, maintenance, security, and planning.
When Does WSDOT Award Grants?
WSDOT Aviation typically awards two rounds of grants per biennium. During each round WSDOT announces to airports the appropriate times to submit applications and provides deadline information. Grant applications will be solicited from airport sponsors for the first round of grants of the 2009-2011 biennium in May 2009 and awarded in June. Grant applications are available on WSDOT’s Grant Program Web site: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/Grants/default.htm. WSDOT staff is also available to assist each airport sponsor through the process.
Do You Know About the Airport Information System Database?
As a condition for grant eligibility airport sponsors are asked to update their information annually on the Airport Information System database. Airport sponsors must first login to the system in order to view and update information. Airports can request their User ID by emailing aisadmin@wsdot.wa.gov with the following information:
- Sponsor name, address, phone number and email
- Password of your choice
Who Do I Contact for More Information?
Eric Johnson, WSDOT Airport Construction Project Manager, is available to provide assistance with grants, planning and implementation of airport improvement projects. For more information on WSDOT’s Airport Aid Grant Program, contact Eric Johnson:
Eric Johnson
johnsel@wsdot.wa.gov
(360) 651-6303
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