The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division is now accepting applications for the second round of its 2025–2027 Airport Aid Grant Program, with approximately $1.1 million in state funding available for airports across Washington. Applications are due by March 6, according to WSDOT’s official announcement.

The grants are intended to support airport preservation, safety, and maintenance projects. Eligible recipients include public-use airports managed by cities, counties, port districts, and other government entities. The state’s Airport Aid Grant Program typically covers a portion of project costs, often requiring matching local contributions depending on the project’s scale and funding source.

For smaller regional airports in southwest Washington—such as Kelso’s Southwest Washington Regional Airport and Woodland State Airport—these grants can play an important role in maintaining essential infrastructure and supporting economic activity. Airports that cater to freight, emergency response, and general aviation often use these funds for runway resurfacing, lighting upgrades, and safety compliance improvements.

WSDOT’s Aviation Division administers the grants on a biennial basis, evaluating proposed projects based on safety, operational necessity, and alignment with statewide aviation priorities. Applications are reviewed in coordination with local governments and airport managers to ensure funds are distributed where they can make the most significant impact.

Additional details, including eligibility guidelines and application forms, are available through WSDOT’s Airport Aid Grant Program page.

Why it matters locally: Although the grant pool is modest compared to major infrastructure programs, for Cowlitz County’s smaller airports, even limited funding can help sustain aviation access critical to emergency response, air transport, and regional commerce. In past cycles, state-level aviation grants have complemented local efforts to maintain safe and serviceable airfields used by medical flight operators and small businesses throughout southwest Washington.