Sarbanes, Mikulski, and Ruppersberger Announce $4.7 Million Grant for BWI Airport
The Money Will Pay for Improvements to the Pavement Around the New Concourse A

(Washington, D.C.)-  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 is touching down at the Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport. The money will pay for improvements to the pavement around the new Concourse A including an extension of the parallel taxiway and ramp. This is the fifth year of funding for the project for a total of $38.7 million. In 2004, 20 million passengers traveled through BWI Airport - up 3.3% from 2003.

"With BWI growing by leaps and bounds, these funds are an important tool to assist in the on-going expansion activities," said Senator Paul S. Sarbanes (D-MD).

"This federal funding combined with the $10 million recently awarded to BWI for security improvements will strengthen the airport and ensure that it remains an economic engine for the region," said Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), a member of the Transportation, Treasury, and House Appropriations Subcommittee.

"BWI Airport is one of Maryland's biggest economic engines. It is important that we keep up with demand and ensure that business and vacation travelers can easily and safely travel through the Airport. This $4.7 million grant helps keep passengers moving," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

In an effort to meet the needs of the airlines and provide more frequent service and additional destinations for passengers at BWI, a new and improved Concourse A is scheduled to open in May of 2005 - adding 11 new gates. When Concourse A is complete and it is connected with Concourse B - the area will include 26 gates. This Concourse will offer a large baggage claim area, passenger hold rooms, ticket counter space and significantly increased food and shopping areas. The grant is being awarded by the Department of Transportation.

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