Pasco, WA — Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) has received more than $8.3 million in federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding, including nearly $3 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), to support a major expansion of the airport’s aircraft deicing facility and related airfield improvements.
The project will expand PSC’s existing aircraft deicing pad, allowing up to three aircraft to undergo deicing simultaneously during winter weather operations. The improvements will help reduce aircraft wait times, improve operational efficiency, and enhance safety during periods of snow and freezing conditions.
In addition to expanding the deicing pad, the project includes construction of new Taxiways B1 and B2, aircraft deicing runoff infrastructure, and the relocation of FAA weather and navigational equipment needed to accommodate the improvements.
“This project is another important investment in the future of Tri-Cities Airport, and we’re grateful for the support of our federal partners in making it possible,” said Buck Taft, Director of Tri-Cities Airport. “As passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that we continue improving the infrastructure that supports safe and efficient operations throughout every season at PSC. Expanding our deicing capabilities and modernizing the surrounding airfield will allow us to better serve our airline partners and the traveling public for years to come.”
The funding includes three federal Airport Improvement Program grants:
- $5.3 million for design, construction, and construction management of the deice pad expansion project.
- $87,694 to relocate FAA power infrastructure serving the Stand Alone Weather Sensor (SAWS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI).
- $2.95 million through the IIJA to fund additional construction, including Taxiways B1 and B2 and expanded aircraft deicing runoff infrastructure.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2027 following project bidding this year.
The deicing project represents another step in PSC’s continued investment in airport infrastructure to support the region’s growing air service. Recent improvements have included terminal modernization projects, new passenger boarding bridges, and the shifting of Runway 12/30.
About the Airport
Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is the largest airport in the Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon region and the third largest air carrier airport in the state of Washington. With connections to several major hubs, the airport is served by Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, and United airlines. For more information about the airport, visit flytricities.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
