Ruppersberger, Cardin, Mikulski Announce $2 Million for BWI Improvements

Rep. C.A. 'Dutch' Ruppersberger, D-Md. (2nd CD), issued the following news release:

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger today joined U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski in announcing a grant of more than $2 million to remove visual obstructions on a runway at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The $2,465,422 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will be used to lower Amtrak overhead wires that obstruct the approach lighting system on Runway 10, which will improve runway safety.

"BWI is one of Maryland's most vital economic engines," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "This project is about investing in our state's future and preserving those jobs for years to come. Improving the airport's main arteries - its runways - will also create safer working conditions for flight and ground crews as well as passengers."

"This grant ensures that BWI Marshall continues to be a safe, dependable, and efficient hub for domestic and international travel," said Senator Cardin. "BWI Marshall is an economic center for our region, bringing about $5.9 billion in revenue a year to our state. This grant reflects our commitment to constant progress regarding BWI's safety and efficiency."

"These funds in the federal checkbook are an investment in jobs today and jobs tomorrow," said Senator Mikulski, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee which funds DOT. "It creates jobs today in construction by making needed improvements to BWI's runway infrastructure. And it helps create jobs tomorrow by making sure BWI remains a safe, efficient travel center and an economic engine for Maryland."

With the visual path cleared, BWI will improve the approach lighting system on the Runway 10. BWI is one of Maryland's most vital economic and transportation hubs, supporting nearly 100,000 jobs each year.

The project is expected to support up to 32 jobs and is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013 and be completed in the spring of 2014. The Maryland Aviation Administration will oversee the project.

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