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Note: Regarding the airport grants news release that went out April 14, 2021, the intent was to state that FAA Federal Fiscal Year 2020 and Federal Fiscal Year 2021 AIP grants are being funded at 100% as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, just in case any NPIAS airport sponsors were not aware so they would not spend time preparing a WSDOT grant application for matching funds.
Airports should continue their CIP planning throughout the year to prepare for the next SCIP submission window from Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 for the grant cycle that begins in July 2021.
WSDOT's Airport Aid Grant Program Focuses on Preservation of Airports
Airports are vital to Washington State, fueling its economy and providing critical links to the state and national transportation system. WSDOT Aviation has been charged with the general supervision over the Airport Aid Grant Program pursuant to RCW 47.68 in which the program provides crucial financial assistance to public-use airports in the preservation of Washington's system of airports.
Who Can Apply?
Under RCW 47.68.090, any city, county, airport authority, political subdivision, federally recognized Indian tribe, public corporation, or person(s) that owns and operates, a public-use airport included in the Washington Aviation System Plan (WASP) is considered an eligible airport sponsor and may apply for WSDOT Airport Aid grant funds. The municipality, tribe, or person(s) may act jointly with other municipalities, tribes, or persons to plan or carry out the project.
The airport sponsor must own or, in some cases, have a long-term lease (minimum twenty years) for the land upon which the project will be accomplished.
What are the requirements and what kind of information do I need to provide?
What is the Maximum Amount Available?
The maximum amount WSDOT Aviation can award to an individual sponsor in a single grant is $750,000.
What is the Airport Sponsor Local Match Requirement?
On projects seeking state funds only, the airport sponsor must contribute a minimum 5% match of the entire project cost. If the sponsor is able, and would like to contribute a larger match amount, they certainly can and will receive additional points towards their total project application score during WSDOT Aviation's prioritization review of all grant applications.
For projects receiving federal funds, it has been a long standing practice of the Airport Aid Program to support airports in matching their Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants. Currently AIP grants require 10% of the project total to come from the airport sponsor. WSDOT supports grants to airports for up to half of their match requirement.
What Types of Projects are Eligible?
The intent of the WSDOT Airport Aid Program is to provide sponsors of public-use airports 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 Airport Aid grant funds may be used for the planning, acquisition, construction, improvement, and maintenance of airports. All project work must be available for public use and be shown on the approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP). All projects must be included in WSDOT Aviation's five-year Statewide Capital Improvement Program (SCIP).
When Does WSDOT Award Grants?
WSDOT solicits grant applications and awards funds once each year. During odd numbered years (e.g. 2017, 2019, etc.), the grant schedule is constrained by the state's biennium, which prohibits grant awards prior to July 1. Thus, during odd numbered years WSDOT typically solicits applications from airport sponsors between March and May and announces grant awards by July 15.
During even numbered years (e.g. 2018, 2020, etc.), the grant solicitation and award schedule is earlier to better align with the typical construction season. Thus, during even numbered years applications are solicited between February and March with grant awards announced by May 15.
Airport sponsors can elect to submit a grant application at any given time during the year (outside of the official solicitation) to be considered for the next grant cycle.
Do You Know About the Airport Information System Database?
As a condition for grant eligibility airport sponsors are required 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:
Who Do I Contact for More Information?
Eric Johnson, WSDOT Airport Construction & Grants Program 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
360-848-7115
Grant Program
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