WASHINGTON, D.C. –
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 Hagerstown Regional Airport in Hagerstown $2.3 million through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to construct an aircraft rescue and firefighting building.

“First responders, whether in the air or on the ground, always are on the front lines, keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe from harm. I thank these brave men and women for their continuing service and sense of duty to our community,”
Senator Cardin said. “I am proud to support federal investment through local grants like this one for Hagerstown, which are essential to ensure our community heroes have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

 “The Hagerstown Regional Airport is an economic engine for the region and it’s one of my top priorities,”
Senator Mikulski said. “These federal funds will improve safety at the airport, both for the people who work there and for its passengers.  I will continue to fight for the Hagerstown Regional Airport. It’s about jobs, jobs, jobs for Western Maryland.”

The new aircraft rescue and firefighting building will bring the airport’s two fire trucks under the same roof. Currently, one fire truck is parked at the end of the terminal and one is parked in a maintenance facility across the airport. The building also will house a Washington County mass casualty trailer. Located off the terminal apron, the building will have three bays for the trucks and trailer as well as a communications room, workshop, dormitory, and office and training areas.

The AIP provides both formula and discretionary funding to airports. The AIP funds can be used for exterior capital improvements and repairs. Revenues for the AIP come from airport user fees and fuel taxes. The 2009 Omnibus Act included $3.5 billion for the AIP.