Most Recent Grant Is For $8.2 Million For Improvements To Runway Infrastructure

Snohomish County in Washington State has received an $8.2 million federal grant for repair work at the county’s Paine Field Airport. With approval Friday by County Executive Aaron Reardon and the County Council, the federal Airport Improvement Grant from the FAA will be used to repair the paved shoulders along the main runway by installing edge drains, repaving the shoulders, and installing a new electrical duct bank system.

The existing electrical system is more than 50 years old, and this work will bring the runway edge lighting and signage in line with FAA standards. “Thousands of Snohomish County jobs depend on keeping Paine Field’s main runway in top shape,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “It is a key part of this state’s aerospace industry.”

“This grant will allow critical upgrades and repairs to our facilities at Paine Field, assuring it remains a world class center for aviation and our aerospace industry,” said Dave Somers, chair of the Snohomish County Council.

Runway 16R-34L is the main jet runway at Paine Field and is the only runway that supports the large aircraft manufactured by Boeing as well as aircraft refurbished at Aviation Technical Services (ATS). County executives say the project is necessary in order to meet FAA design standards and has been identified as a top priority for the county airport.

Combined with $11 million received in 2009 from federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, the airport will nearly complete an overhaul of the airport’s main runway and taxiway system.

FMI: www.co.snohomish.wa.us