WSDOT Aviation grant recipients 2020

WSDOT awards $873,000 in state funds for pavement projects to 4 airports during second round of 2019-2021 grants

Funding breakdown

• Federal - $ 2,858,343.30
• State - $ 873,173.50
• Local - $ 319,972.40
• Total - $ 4,051,184.00

In an unprecedented year due to projected revenue shortfalls from the Covid-19 pandemic WSDOT Aviation has awarded $873,000 to four airports for pavement maintenance projects and a runway extension at the Auburn Municipal Airport.

Ninety-four percent of the funds are going to Non-NPIAS airports that are ineligible for federal funds. The remaining six percent ($52,000) will leverage an additional $3.1 million in federal and local funds.

In March, thirty-two airports applied for nearly $4.7 million in state grants for forty-five projects in this round. The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, passed by Congress and signed into law in March 2020 helped lessen the impact of WSDOT's funding shortfall. As a result of the CARES Act, Washington airports included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) are receiving in excess of $310 million in grant funds that can be used for any purpose for which airport revenues may be lawfully used, including operational expenses. Additionally, the CARES Act is funding the typical 10% required local match on FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants awarded during federal fiscal year 2020, providing 100% funding.

WSDOT's grant program is funded through an 11-cent-per gallon fee on aviation fuel, along with aircraft registration fees, and aircraft excise tax.

WSDOT anticipates soliciting applications for the first round of 2021-2023 biennium grants in March and April 2020. Award notifications for that round of grants is targeted for July 2021.

2020 Airport Grants by city