Aviation
Aviation
2024
- Washington's public-use airports leveraged $1.47 million to secure $27.4 million in federal funding for airport investments in fiscal year 2025
- Master Record Reviews at 41 airports in 2024 showed 60% of runway pavement in excellent or good condition
- The Community Aviation Revitalization Board loan program has awarded $14.9 million for 25 projects since 2019
2023
- Washington's public-use airports leveraged $1.5 million to secure $30.1 million in federal funding for airport investments in FY2024
- Airport Master Record Reviews at 41 airports in 2023 showed 87% of runway pavement in excellent or good condition
- Community Aviation Revitalization Board loan program awarded $12.5 million for 21 projects since 2019
2022
- Washington's public-use airports leveraged $1.3 million to secure $53.6 million in funding for airport investments in FY2023
- Community Aviation Revitalization Board loan program awarded $9.2 million for 17 projects at airports since 2019
- WSDOT published its 2022 Electric Airport Feasibility Study
- Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission continues work of expanding airport capacity
2021
- Federal relief provided $591.8 million for use at NPIAS airports
- Washington state leveraged $100,000 to secure $27 million in funding for airport investments in FY2022
- Community Aviation Revitalization Board loan program awarded $4.7 million for 11 projects at 10 airports in the 2019-2021 biennium
Influx of federal funds facilitates increases state funding to non-NPIAS airports
An influx of federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act, and American Rescue Plan Act combined to provide $591.8 million to National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems airports in 2020 and 2021. The financial support was provided as economic relief to airports affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and fully funded the federal share of Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grants, which did not require WSDOT to contribute its local match (typically half of the 10%) to FAA grants.
2020
- Federal relief helped WSDOT maintain continuity of operations at airports eligible for federal funds
- Washington state leveraged $52,000 to secure $3.1 million in funding for airport investments in FY2021
- Community Aviation Revitalization Board loan program awarded $4.7 million for 11 projects at 10 airports in the 2019-2021 biennium
Federal relief helps fund operations and projects at eligible Washington state airports
The reduction in travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in reduced gas tax revenue, causing substantial impacts to WSDOT's budget. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act—signed into law in March 2020—helped reduce the impact of WSDOT's funding shortfall for operations and maintenance at eligible airports. Washington airports included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) received approximately $310 million in CARES Act grants for airport operations and maintenance, helping offset decreased revenue due to COVID-19. Additionally, approximately $5 million in CARES Act funding is covering the 10% local match required for over $47 million of Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grants awarded during federal fiscal year 2020, providing 100% funding for projects at NPIAS airports.
Aviation background
Washington's aviation system is an economic asset. It connects Washington's communities—no matter how remote—providing critical links to people, goods, and services. WSDOT Aviation provides vital financial assistance to 134 public-use airports across the state through airport development and maintenance grants and capital construction loans. The state's airports range from small airports to large commercial service airports. The agency is also responsible for managing air search and rescue operations and providing education and training in Unmanned Aerial Systems operations.
WSDOT manages 15 general aviation airports statewide
WSDOT Aviation manages 15 general aviation airports in Washington state. Methow Valley Airport is the only federally-funded facility designated in the Federal Aviation Administration's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. The primary functions of the state-managed airports include supporting emergency management and forest firefighting activities, providing transportation access to remote communities, emergency medical operations staging areas, access to recreational areas, and enhancing the overall level of safety for the state aviation system, particularly for emergency landings.
Washington State Aviation System Plan updates for 2025
The Washington State Aviation System Plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan that guides the development and management of the state's aviation system. It provides a framework for decision-making, investments, and policy development to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation system that meets the needs of Washington residents and businesses. The key topics covered in the WASP are:
- Airport system inventory and assessment
- Aviation activity forecasts
- Economic impact analysis
- System needs and deficiencies
- Strategies and recommendations
- Special emphasis areas
- Airport access and ground transportation
- Environmental sustainability
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
The WASP is a living document that is periodically updated to reflect changes in the aviation industry, technology, and economic conditions. The latest update is projected for release in 2025 and will incorporate new data, trends, and priorities. The update will include:
- An assessment of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation demand and how the system is adjusting forecasts accordingly.
- A framework for the safe and efficient integration of AAM operations into the state's airspace and infrastructure.
- Sustainability and decarbonization.
- Strategies to reduce the environmental impact of aviation, including the use of sustainable aviation fuels and supporting the development of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft.
- The growing need for skilled workers in the aviation industry, as well as the identification and prioritization of infrastructure investments to maintain and enhance the state's system of airports.
The updated WASP will serve as a roadmap for the future of aviation in Washington state, guiding investments and policy decisions to ensure a robust and sustainable aviation system that supports economic growth, environmental stewardship, and the needs of communities across the state.