WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $1 million grant to Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) for an environmental assessment of Martin State Airport’s five-year capital improvement plan.

“Martin State Airport is home to the Maryland Air National Guard and it is an important relief airport for our region,” said Senator Cardin, who is a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “The Airport’s growth and success means it needs a strong capital improvement plan for the future.  I am committed to making sure it has the resources it needs to assess and address any environmental issues associated with its five-year plan to upgrade and improve the airport.”

“Our regional airports play a key role in maintaining our robust economy,” Senator Mikulski said. “These federal dollars will help ensure that Martin State Airport can continue to serve the Maryland Air National Guard, operate safely and efficiently, and keep Marylanders on the go.”

Martin State Airport is located near Middle River in Baltimore County, and it is an important economic generator for the Baltimore region.  It serves both corporate and general aviation activity, as well as the Maryland Air National Guard. This grant will be used to conduct detailed studies of the potential environmental impacts of proposed airport improvements.  The proposed airport improvements include runway pavement reconstruction, taxiway improvements, removal of obstructions to the approach and departure paths of aircraft to the runway, relocation of on-airport navigational aids, and possible replacement of the existing air traffic control tower.