Rep. Huffman Announces Over $16 Million Headed to CA02 Airports for Critical Projects

Funding Was Secured by Huffman in FY2022 Federal Appropriations Bill

July 25, 2022

San Rafael, CA – Congressman Jared Huffman today announced $16.1 million in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airport improvement projects in California’s Second Congressional District. The funding is going to four airports along the North Coast to assist with much needed upgrades and rehabilitation and was allocated through the FY2022 federal funding package that Rep. Huffman voted to pass.

“These airports are vital parts of our region that have been long overdue for funding to better serve the folks who rely on them. Investments in a lifeline airport like ACV are essential for the safety of the travelling public and to the economies of rural areas,” said Rep. Jared Huffman, who serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “We need to maintain and improve this infrastructure regularly to meet the increasing demands. I’m glad to have delivered this funding, which will help fuel our local economy and boost safety, commerce, and tourism in air travel.”

The funds through the FAA Airport Improvement Program will pay for runway rehabilitation and extensions in Humboldt and Sonoma counties. More than $13 million will repave and stabilize the runway at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV), which was last done in the early 1990s. The project will stabilize the runway and allow it to operate safely for another 10-20 years and better handle the larger aircraft that now service ACV. The main runway will have 2 inches of asphalt removed and replaced with 6 inches of fresh asphalt. Outdated lighting and electrical infrastructure will also be replaced and upgraded. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2023.

Also funded are wildlife hazard assessment and management plans and electrical systems studies for Murray Field Airport outside Eureka and Rohnerville Airport outside Fortuna. In Novato, $900,000 will go toward extending the Gnoss Field Runway and $1.725 million will allow Petaluma Municipal Airport to rehabilitate the aircraft apron.

“We really want to thank Congressman Jared Huffman for the continued support he provides for us on the North Coast,” said Virginia Bass, Fourth District Supervisor and Chair of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors. “Receiving over $13 million in Federal Aviation Administration funds would not have been possible without his ongoing partnership. These projects will have an impact on so many residents and visitors in our region for years to come.”

“Petaluma Municipal Airport is thrilled to receive $1.75 million from the FAA for this critical ramp rehabilitation project. This funding will allow us to replace aging asphalt, upgrade the pavement subcase, and allows us to continue providing a safe airport environment for all users, including tenants, emergency response aircraft, local businesses, and aviation community events. Thank you to Congressman Huffman for his continued support,” said Dan Cohen, Airport & Marina Manager for Petaluma Municipal Airport.