WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the Potomac Highlands Airport Authority has been awarded a $2,342,170 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for runway rehabilitation at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport. Additionally, Garrett County will receive an $112,387 FAA grant from the DOT to update to the Airport Master Plan and to address key issues that will lead to improved operations at the Garrett County Airport.
“Airports in Western Maryland keep our economy moving forward in the right direction. We need to do all we can to maintain safety, and to improve efficiency so they can better serve the neighboring communities,” said Senator Cardin. “I am proud that we can deliver federal grants to enhance flight operations in Western Maryland and the region.”
“Our regional airports play a key role in maintaining Maryland’s robust economy,” said Senator Mikulski, Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds DOT. “These funds in the federal checkbook for runway expansion will help our regional airports in Western Maryland operate safely and efficiently while keeping Marylanders on the go.”
This federal grant will fund the relocation of runway thresholds, acquisition of 6 new parcels of land, and the removal of dangerous runway obstructions at Greater Cumberland Regional Airport. Garret County will use the funds to update the Airport’s Master Plan so that it may address key issues pertinent to future development.
The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport is a vital transportation and commerce hub for Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Cumberland Regional is located 2 miles south of Cumberland, MD in West Virginia. Despite its location, the FAA lists it as a Maryland airport. Garrett County Airport is an essential element in the national and statewide transportation network and plays a large role in the economic development of the area. The airport is owned and operated by Garrett County.
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