Date:  Monday, March 29, 2010

Contact: Eric Johnson, WSDOT Aviation construction project manager,
johnsel@wsdot.wa.gov  

ARLINGTON – Airport sponsors interested in receiving state funding for facility improvements can now apply for the second round of WSDOT Airport Aid Grants. This will be the last set of grants WSDOT Aviation awards for the 2009-2011 biennium. In July 2009, WSDOT awarded a total of $900,000 in its first round of grants to 35 state airports. Airport sponsors must submit application materials no later than April 26 to be considered for the second round of grants.

To apply, airport sponsors can fill out the online application form. Since a signature is required, sponsors will still have to print, sign and mail the form with supporting documentation. WSDOT will also continue to accept handwritten applications.

While the exact amount is yet to be determined, WSDOT anticipates awarding up to $900,000 in grants to qualifying airports. Grant award announcements will be made the week of May 24, 2010. All projects must be complete by June 30, 2011.

Each year, WSDOT provides crucial financial assistance to many of the state’s 138 public airports through its Airport Aid Grant Program. WSDOT accepts applications from any municipality or federally recognized tribe that owns an open, public-use airport in Washington state. The maximum amount WSDOT can award to an airport sponsor for a single grant is $250,000. Since WSDOT places a high priority on pavement maintenance, it targets 65 percent to 75 percent of funding toward pavement projects.
In order to expedite the process, WSDOT requests that sponsors include the following with their completed airport aid application forms:

• Statement of support from appropriate elected official
• Adopted resolution stating matching funds are available and authorized 
• Preliminary plans and specifications 
• Detailed project schedule 
• Property appraisals (land acquisition)
• Detailed estimated costs and spending schedule
• Number of jobs the project is expected to create
• Consultant selection process documentation (for engineering and planning projects)
• Any sustainability policies or ordinances in place to address greenhouse gas emissions

Airport sponsors are also encouraged to submit additional information, including project details, to WSDOT with the grant application packet.

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

Airports are encouraged to contact WSDOT airport construction project manager Eric Johnson at 360-651-6303 to discuss proposed projects or receive assistance with applications. The next grant cycle will begin in July 2011. More information on the Airport Aid Grant Program is available at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/grants/default.htm.  

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