Sarbanes, Mikulski, and Ruppersberger Announce $4.7 Million Grant for Pier A at BWI Airport

Washington, DC - Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), and Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) are pleased to announce that a $4.7 million grant has landed at the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport. The money will help pay for the concrete ramps and taxi-ways around Pier A, the new terminal for Southwest Airlines.

"As one of the fastest growing airports in the nation, it is critical to provide BWI Airport with the necessary funds for new construction and improvements to keep pace with passenger growth," said Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD). "This new infusion of funds will help to expand airport operations at BWI and continue the revving of this economic engine for the State of Maryland."

"BWI is critical for a robust Maryland economy. Expansion of the airport through these funds will help BWI and Maryland remain competitive in the future," said Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD).

"This grant is great news for business and vacation travelers in Maryland. BWI Airport is one of the biggest economic engines in the state and it is important that we continue to improve and expand this vital resource to bring jobs to the state and improve our economy," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

The Pier A construction project is a key component of BWI's $1.8 billion expansion plan and will provide facilities needed by Southwest Airlines. When complete, the new Southwest terminal will provide the airline with 26 gates to accommodate future growth at BWI. Construction is expected to be complete in the spring of 2005.

The grant is being awarded by the Department of Transportation.

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