news

Sterling, VA – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $49.6 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to Dulles International Airport. The airport will use the money to construct a new 14-gate terminal to replace the existing regional and commuter concourse and improve passenger access and support future growth. Building better airport terminals will improve customer experiences, move goods through the economy more efficiently to lower prices, and enhance U.S. competitiveness.

“I’m proud that our once-in-a-generation Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for Dulles Airport by making it possible to construct an all-new regional and commuter terminal – a top priority for the airport,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “This transformative federal funding will upgrade the passenger experience for those traveling around our region and support the continued success and growth of Dulles Airport, which is integral to Northern Virginia’s local economy. I look forward to seeing the continued impacts our infrastructure law will have to rebuild and restore our roads and bridges, expand access to transit and passenger rail, and make universal broadband a reality in our communities.” 

“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand. Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The new terminal will be conveniently located atop the underground Concourse C/D Aerotrain station, providing quick and easy access to passengers and reducing transit times for passengers with connections at Dulles who must currently use shuttle buses or long walkways. Where current regional and commuter passengers must board their flights using outdoor covered walkways and aircraft stairs, the new terminal will allow for jet bridge boarding that reduces boarding times and is more accessible for passengers with disabilities. It will be nearly four times larger than the current facility, which will reduce crowding, allow for expanded concessions and passenger amenities, and create additional space for operational areas, offices, aircraft servicing, and baggage handling. This project will also improve Dulles’s environmental footprint, as the proposed new facility will be built to LEED Silver Certifiable standards. Environmental improvements include support for electric aircraft servicing vehicles and the use of modern energy efficient construction methods and materials.

In May, Wexton sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Federal Aviation Administration Acting Administrator Billy Nolen in support of Dulles’ application for this grant funding to make the new terminal possible.

The funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. It will rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, modernize the nation’s ports and airports, improve safety, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. It will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come. 

###