Improvements will enhance airport capacityWASHINGTON � Today, the U. S. Department of
Transportation�s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a $16.8
million grant to Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall
(BWI) Airport to complete the fourth phase of a multi-phase
comprehensive taxiway improvement program for Runways 10/28 and 15R/33L. �This
grant demonstrates our commitment to airport infrastructure
improvements that ensure the safe travel of the American public,� said
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. �As a result of this
long-term economic investment, Baltimore area residents and surrounding
communities will experience the economic benefits of ongoing
construction-related job opportunities.� This Airport Improvement
Program (AIP) grant will help fund the fourth phase of the overall
program, which includes the continued relocation and reconfiguration of
various parts of the airport taxiway system to meet FAA safety and
design standards, eliminate unclear taxiway configurations, provide a
dual parallel taxiway system, and enhance airport capacity to permit
unrestricted operations during low-visibility conditions. Construction
on the FAA-funded phase of the program is scheduled to begin later this
month and is expected to be completed in the next calendar year. The
total program cost is estimated at $67 million, with $37,644,274 in
federal funds being used for the first four phases. �Investing in
the long-term efficiency and capacity of our nation�s airports is
important to the national transportation system,� said FAA Administrator
Michael Huerta. �The improvements will enhance the efficiency of the
airport, which will benefit both the airlines and the traveling public.� Over
the last 15 years, the FAA has provided more than $200 million in AIP
funds to the airport for various airfield development projects.
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