Letter to Marion C. Blakely, Administrator Federal Aviation Administration

June 18, 2003
The Honorable Marion C. Blakey
Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591

Dear Administrator Blakey:

I have been recently contacted by Spokane International Airport regarding their concerns over federal funding for their Taxiway G construction project. This project is an integral part of their air cargo development strategy and is consistent with the FAA's goal of reducing runway incursions. The $20 million project is being constructed in two parts. Funding for the first part has been fully secured. The second phase, which has been publicly bid and is now ready to be awarded, is reportedly nearly $5 million short of funds.

This is a project that I strongly support and provided with funding totaling $8 million in the last two fiscal years' appropriation bills. Regretfully, the Airport reports that the FAA has only allotted $2.2 million of these funds for this project and all of which were for Part I. Therefore, I respectfully request that you apply, to the greatest extent possible, the funds that we have previously directed to ensure the completion of Part II of this project in a timeline that is uniform with its design specifications.

Clearly, this project is a priority to the Airport and my office.

I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Sincerely,

Patty Murray
United States Senate