Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Federal Aviation Administration will invest $15 million in safety upgrades of the Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The project is expected to create about 200 jobs by the time it is finished next year.
U.S Deputy Transportation Secretary John Porcari said the project would not have been possible without federal funding.
“Not only are we keeping Marylanders at work, we are also improving airport safety and efficiency,†he said.
The project involves reconstructing the aircraft parking area between two concourses to better handle larger aircraft and service vehicles. Utilities such as water and gas cables will be upgraded, some of which date back to original airport construction in 1950. Also, a new, eco-friendly system will be installed to collect deicing fluid.
In addition to the Recovery Act funds, $26 million will be contributed to the project by the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and the Passenger Facility Charge.
“Recovery Act funds are making a difference at our nation’s airports,†said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “These projects will ensure that BWI continues to meet the safety needs of the airport and traveling public.â€
