BWI Recovery Act grant from FAA creates jobs, safety enhancements, and environmental upgrades

At the end of his career as a commercial pilot, Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt made his final landing at the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). And, before becoming Deputy Secretary, John Porcari was formerly Maryland's Secretary of Transportation.

So yesterday's visit by both men to BWI to celebrate the $41 million in upgrades to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport supported by $15 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was a return to familiar ground.

Work at BWI Airport is part of $1.3 billion in ARRA money made available nationwide by FAA

At BWI, Deputy Secretary Porcari praised the ongoing safety, environmental, communications, and utility projects. When completed next year, BWI’s reconstructed aircraft parking apron will enhance safety and allow more efficient operations among larger aircraft and service vehicles. The project also includes a new environmentally friendly deicing fluid collection system and new communications and utility systems.

And, according to US Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, about 200 jobs will have been created by the time the project is completed next year. After all, the apron-upgrade project at BWI will replace more than 14 acres of pavement and the utility and communication infrastructure beneath it. That's more than 11 football fields of work.

The pavement being replaced dates back to the 1970s, and some of the utility lines underneath are from the 1950s when President Truman dedicated the original airport.

BWI Executive Director Paul Wiedefeld said the pavement upgrade is essential: “The passengers may not appreciate it, but without it, you can’t run your business. If you don’t have good pavement, these guys can’t come and go.”

But without the Recovery Act, this critical $41 million project would not have been possible. As Deputy Secretary Porcari said, “We’re living off investments our parents and grandparents made in transportation. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we know we haven't been keeping up. That's where the Recovery Act comes in."

Administrator Babbitt echoed that idea: “Recovery Act funds are making a difference at our nation's airports. These projects will ensure that BWI and other airports continue to meet the safety needs of the traveling public.”

And the benefits of transportation investments don't end with safety, efficiency, and environmental upgrades. BWI generates more than $5 billion in spending every year and is responsible for nearly 100,000 jobs.

This Recovery Act project is creating construction jobs now. And this Recovery Act project is making BWI safer and greener. But Recovery Act projects like this are also making a measurable and meaningful difference in laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth and prosperity.

Comments

[HP Bryce]

This is great! We just need to expand this Recovery Act to be like the New Deal. More jobs, improved infrastructure and environmentally friendly improvements. Seems like a win for everyone.

[Michael E. Bailey]

The improvements at BWI are really going to be important not only for that airport but many others too. Because if BWI is modernized and becomes more accessible in all kinds ohf weathfer, that will improve efficiency for airlines and airports across the system flying into BWI. It is common during the winter especially to hear that one or more major airports closed due to weather and the entire commercial avaiation system is impacted. Some weather problems cannot be avoided and airports will need to shut down for those. But infrastructure improvements can result in fewer closures. The ARRA is doing its job and the improvements at BWI will be important for many years in the future. The work at John Wayne Airport and Sacramento International Airport is also moving along and employing lots of construction workers. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Plombier Colomiers]

A big thank you for your article, go long.

[autovit]

I think short term the main benefit of this project are brought jobs. So we need them at this time. Then the medium and long term benefits to the community are invaluable. I think those two great men who were present are no strangers to this project. And probably contributed decisively to attract these funds.

[best gps review]

BWI generates more than $5 billion in spending every year and is responsible for nearly 100,000 jobs.
Really?