Van Hollen, Cardin: $1.2M for Shore airport projects

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) announced $1,269,403 in federal funding for infrastructure and expansion projects at the Salisbury Regional Airport, Easton Airport, and Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport. The funding, provided through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), will increase the airports’ capacities to meet operational needs and safety standards, a statement from the senators said.

“Eastern Shore airports play a crucial role in supporting the region’s economy and ensuring people and cargo get where they need to go. We fought for these investments to provide local airports with the infrastructure they need to continue to serve Maryland’s businesses, residents, and visitors safely and efficiently,” the lawmakers said.

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

• $1 million to Salisbury Regional Airport to extend the airport’s existing runway by an additional 1,200 feet to accommodate aircraft with greater passenger capacity;
• $150,000 to Easton Airport to extend Runway 22’s safety area to 1,000 feet; and
• $119,403 to Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport to acquire more land for airport operations.

“The AIP funds various airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting, and markings – all while creating thousands of jobs in the community,” the statement said. “The senators have consistently fought to provide funds for airports and terminal operators, including by helping to pass the fiscal year 2024 appropriations package, which included $3.88 billion for AIP projects.”