SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane International Airport is getting a financial boost to help with its expansion plans.
United States Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced on Thursday that the airport had been approved for $11 million from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new Airport Terminal Program.
The announcement comes one day after Sen. Cantwell and Spokane International Airport executives held a press conference to discuss the airport's need to expand amid rapid growth in the region.
Cantwell voiced her support for the grant that will provide funding for the expansion of the airport.
“Modern, resilient and sustainable airports will help strengthen our supply chain, help our U.S. businesses compete in a global economy, and get our consumers where they need to go,” Sen. Cantwell said in a statement.
Spokane International Airport plans to use the money to fund its Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) project.
The TREX project is set to begin in August and will include:
- Add additional gates to Terminal C
- Bring new security checkpoints to Terminals A and B
- Create a new baggage claim area
- Expand the existing ticketing area
- Upgrade mechanical and HVAC systems
The upgrades would also increase the airport's capacity for new flights and non-stop destinations.
“It is remarkable to note that this project is the first substantial investment in terminal building expansion and renovation in over 23 years. The TREX project will deliver substantial benefits to our community," Spokane Regional Airport CEO Larry Krauter said in a statement. "First and foremost, it gives us more gate capacity to help our airline partners to expand service to new cities or to increase frequencies within their existing networks."
Airport officials said they would save $2 for every dollar they receive from the grant.
The airport is expecting to see 6.2 million travelers passing through by 2030. If they do not receive the grant money, the airport can apply again as the TREX project continues.
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