WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators
Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the
Maryland
Airport
in Indian Head $1.61 million through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to construct a new runway. This funding is for phase one of the project and will be used to build a 4300 foot runway to accommodate larger General Aviation business aircraft.

“I strongly support this federal investment because it will substantially improve and upgrade the Maryland Airport and result in greater business opportunities for the whole region,” said
Senator Cardin. “The airport is a strong economic engine for all of Southern Maryland and it’s important that we give Charles County the resources that are needed for future economic development and growth.”

“Maryland Airport is a transportation and economic development priority for Southern Maryland – and it's one of my priorities too,” said
Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation. “The airport is critical to the economy of Southern Maryland, and to Marylanders who use it to stay connected to jobs and family. I will continue to fight to improve the safe operation of Maryland Airport.”

Runway construction will begin on June 15
^th, 2009. The first phase of the project will consist of clearing, grading and p
reparing for paving of a 4300 foot runway to accommodate larger General Aviation business aircraft. Once completed, Maryland Airport will be the closest airport to the Capitol for larger business aircraft. Maryland Airport is private owned and is part of the AIP as a designated a Reliever Airport for Washington Regan Airport.
  This program provides both formula and discretionary funding to airports. Revenues for AIP come from airport user fees and fuel taxes. Last year, Congress provided $3.5 billion for AIP. This funding can be used for exterior capital improvements and repairs including: new runways, aprons, lighting, planning and land purchases.