WSDOT gains funds for local airports

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently gained $35.3 million from federal airport aid to improve local airports.

In 2015, WSDOT received more backing for public-use airports. In order to gain the $35.3 million, WSDOT officials needed to leverage $1.3 million in funds from the state. In addition, WSDOT gained $637,000 in aircraft excise tax fees, which were reallocated.

The airport aid funds will be used as grants to improve the pavement, planning, safety and property acquisition of 42 projects taking place at 31 different public airports throughout the state.

As reported in the Gray Notebook, the WSDOT’s quarterly performance and accountability report, the excise tax funds will be used for runway rehabilitation, which will generate approximately 64 jobs. This will serve to improve the local as well as national economy.

WSDOT has had a busy year in its aircraft category. The department has surpassed its original 95 percent goal of aircraft registration compliance for the year. As of today, there are 6,847 aircrafts registered as being based in Washington.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress we made and the support we received in the past year,” Tristan Atkins, WSDOT director of aviation, said. “These funds will go a long way in terms of making much-needed improvements to our state airports.”