WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced $1 million in federal funding for the Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) through the Department of Transportation (DOT). The grant will be used for terminal expansion and land acquisition. This follows an $875,000 grant from the same federal source in September of 2017 to help the airport manage adverse weather conditions.
“Federal support for Hagerstown Regional Airport has been a tremendous asset for Western Maryland and I will continue to fight for much needed improvements to all of Maryland’s transportation infrastructure,” said Senator Cardin, the senior Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “Hagerstown Airport is key to local growth, serving as a hub of commerce, tourism and jobs in Washington County and all across the region.”
“Hagerstown Regional Airport is an important resource for the businesses and residents of Western Maryland. Not only does it connect our local economy to opportunities across the region, but it’s also a great way for travelers to get to other parts of the state and country,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees. “I was glad to visit the Hagerstown Airport last year and see their operations first-hand. I will continue working in the Senate to provide these crucial investments in our state’s transportation systems.”
This DOT grant was awarded through the FY18 Airport Improvement (AIP) Supplemental Appropriation Program. The program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects across the country, including repairs and upgrades to runways, taxiways, airport signage, lighting and markings – all while creating thousands of well-paying, local jobs. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen have continually fought for funding for the AIP program, which was included in the five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. Over the last five years, this program has brought more than $140 million in federal investments to Maryland airports for critical safety improvements.
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