Rep. Mike Thompson Announces Nearly $1 Million for Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today announced a $932,714 grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. This is the third of three grants sought by the airport to complete the runway extension project. Specifically, these funds will be used to acquire land to extend a runway and for associated construction. The runway project will help the airport accommodate regional jets flying longer distances to and from an increased number of air travel destinations.

"The completion of this project will mean big things for Sonoma County and our region," said Thompson. "Having an airport that's a short drive away, and that can accommodate travel to and from major inland airports, will attract more tourists and businesses to our area. That's an enormous economic win."

"We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Thompson's support for this important project," said Supervisor Mike Mcguire. "This grant funding is will make our area more attractive to industry, help create jobs, and make our airport safer and more accessible."

The runway project will allow the airport to support and attract major airlines that would be able to fly to larger airports further inland. Currently the airport offers flights to Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

The project will help make Sonoma County more attractive to commerce because businesses will be able to more easily get back and forth from major inland city, and fly customers or cargo in and out with greater ease.

Tourism could also see a boost as the project will make it easier for people around the country to get to Sonoma County.

The project will also improve safety by separating two runways that currently end at the same location. Creating two separate endpoints for the runways will help eliminate pilot confusion.

Earlier this year, Thompson announced a $1 million Department of Transportation (DOT) grant that will be used for environmental mitigations required to complete the airport's runway realignment and extension project.

Last year, Thompson announced nearly $40 million in DOT funds for the runway project at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport.

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