$2.5 million pledged to BWI improvements

LINTHICUM, MD. - Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) will be receiving more than two million dollars in Department of Transportation grants to remove visual obstructions to Runway 10 and lower Amtrak overhead wires that obstruct the Approach Lighting System, which will improve runway safety.

"This grant ensures that BWI Marshall continues to be a safe, dependable, and efficient hub for domestic and international travel," said Senator Benjamin Cardin, (D-MD).  "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 Barbara Mikulski, (D-MD), 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."

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.