WA Airports Get $82.1M For Upgrades From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding
Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 28, 2026
Federal and State Funding Advances Quillayute Airport Improvements
The City of Forks continues to move forward with major improvement projects at Quillayute Airport, backed by a combination of federal grants, state aviation funding, and local matching commitments aimed at preserving critical infrastructure and improving safety.
During its May 11 meeting, the Forks City Council authorized staff to apply for $113,000 in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding to support the Quillayute Airport Hangar and Terminal Project.
Earlier this spring, council members approved several funding measures related to runway rehabilitation. On March 23, council passed Resolution 535, committing local matching funds required for a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) aviation grant targeting pavement rehabilitation projects at the airport. Two weeks earlier, on March 9, the council certified matching funds for participation in the Airport Aid Grant Program, also tied to runway rehabilitation efforts.
The local commitments coincide with a significant federal investment announced last week. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell announced that Quillayute Airport would receive $1.25 million through the federal Airport Improvement Program to reseal runway and apron pavement.
The project is intended to extend the life of existing pavement infrastructure while improving operational safety and efficiency for aircraft using the facility.
“Quillayute Airport is a critical piece of aviation infrastructure on Washington’s coast, supporting general aviation and emergency response on the Olympic Peninsula,” Cantwell said in announcing the award. “This funding will help reseal key parts of the tarmac, protecting prior federal investments, extending the useful life of the facility, and improving safety for the pilots who rely on it.”
The $1.25 million award places Quillayute Airport among seven Washington airports receiving more than $82 million in combined federal airport grants. Larger awards went to major facilities, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Paine Field, Bellingham International Airport, Spokane International Airport, and Tri-Cities Airport.
In addition to securing funding, the City of Forks has been soliciting bids for the “Quillayute Airport – Pavement Rehabilitation and Gate Replacement” project.
Long-term planning efforts also continue. The Quillayute Airport Master Plan update remains in progress with support from the Federal Aviation Administration and consulting partners, helping guide future development priorities for the airport.
Quillayute Airport serves general aviation needs on the West End and is mentioned often as an important transportation resource for emergency response, medical access, and coastal operations. City officials have emphasized maintaining the facility as a key component of regional infrastructure while pursuing funding opportunities to reduce the burden on local taxpayers.
