Baldwin Helps Deliver Over $23.5M for Infrastructure Upgrades at Wisconsin Airports

WISCONSIN – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced three Wisconsin airports will receive over $23.5 million in funding for infrastructure upgrades – including updates to terminal buildings, taxiways, and runways that will increase safety, expand capacity, and create jobs across the state. Funding to support these grants comes from the Baldwin-backed annual government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2023, and has been awarded to Appleton International, Dane County Regional, and Rhinelander-Oneida County airports, as well as the Wisconsin State Block Grant Program.

“Wisconsin’s airports employ hundreds of workers, connecting travelers from across the world to our great state and supporting our Made in Wisconsin economy. But, outdated infrastructure can create delays and put passengers' wellbeing at risk. That’s why I am proud to help deliver federal funding that will upgrade aging infrastructure, increase safety, and ensure our airports can welcome new passengers for years to come,” said Senator Baldwin. “When we invest in our airports, we are investing in the people who rely on these facilities to do business, visit loved ones, and participate fully in our economy.” 

The funding for these projects comes from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides grants for the planning and development of public-use airports and improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security, and environmental concerns. Through AIP, the following projects will receive funding:

• Appleton International was awarded $8,129,416 to expand a terminal building. 
• Dane County Regional/Truax Field was awarded $6,605,910 to reconstruct a taxiway. 
• Rhinelander/Oneida County was awarded $7,074,515 to upgrade taxiway and runway lighting, rehabilitate runways and taxiways, and improve safety.
• Wisconsin State Block Grant Program was also awarded $1,768,500 to acquire land for approaches and improve safety.

“On behalf of the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport Commission and its regional sponsors, we extend our gratitude to our congressional delegation for their continued support of our facility. Funding for this comprehensive project will go toward supplanting much of our airport’s 45-year-old physical infrastructure,” said Matthew J. Leitner, Airport Director at Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport. “This will enhance our airport’s operational capabilities and further increase the economic contribution it makes to our region, which is already over $40,000,000 annually.”

“We’re grateful to Senator Baldwin for her work in securing infrastructure funding that supports growth and economic development. This latest grant moves us closer to completing our concourse expansion the travelers of NE Wisconsin need at their hometown airport,” said Abe Weber, Airport Director at Appleton International Airport. “We expect a record 2023, serving over 930,000 travelers who choose the faster, easier, and more convenient travel experience provided by Appleton Airport.”

"Dane County Regional Airport is honored to have been selected to receive $1.7 million in FAA AIP funding to support reconstruction of a taxiway," said Kim Jones, Airport Director at Dane County Regional Airport. "As a major part of the economic engine of south central Wisconsin, MSN is consistently maintaining and improving its airfield and this funding will help us to keep leisure, business and commercial travel booming in the region."

###