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 Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport $3.97 million through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to extend its runway. This funding is for phase two of the project and it will be used to relocate the existing taxiway to meet FAA safety standards
“I strongly support this federal investment because it will substantially improve and upgrade the Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport and result in greater business opportunities for the whole,” said
Senator Cardin. The airport is a strong economic engine for the entire Eastern Shore and it’s important that we give Dorchester County the resources that are needed for future economic development and growth.”
“The Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport is a transportation and economic development priority for the Eastern Shore – 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 Eastern Shore economy, and to Marylanders who use it to stay connected to jobs and family. I will continue to fight to improve the safe operation of the Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport.”
Keashe Hayth, Dorchester County Economic Development director said, “The $3.9 million grant award from the Department of Transportation to the Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport will have a great impact on the economic prosperity of Dorchester County. The airport expansion will contribute tremendously to Dorchester County’s Economic Development Departments business development, expansion and retention efforts. I commend Senator Cardin and Senator Mikulski for their continued support of projects in Dorchester County.”
The runway extension project began in June 2008. This phase will relocate the runway’s taxiway outside its perimeter where parked aircraft and other objects are prohibited. When completed, the runway will comply with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) safety standards to handle larger corporate jets. The total project is expected to be completed by 2014. Dorchester County also is moving ahead with plans for a Business and Technology Park adjacent to the 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.
