Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)
Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement:
“The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) selecting Washington as a partner in testing next-generation aircraft will create good-paying jobs for the people I represent,” said Rep. Larsen. “Northwest Washington is home to the best aviation and aerospace workers in the world. There is nowhere better to improve advanced air mobility (AAM) technology.”
The DOT and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Monday that eight proposals were selected as part of the brand-new Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). These pilot projects will create one of the largest real-world testing environments to ensure the safety of innovative AAM aircraft.
Washington will participate in the Pennsylvania DOT-led project, which is a multistate collaborative partnership with private AAM companies BETA Technologies and Electra, focused on enhancing regional passenger transportation.
Larsen Fights for Washington Airports and Aviation Projects
Rep. Larsen has long advocated for federal funds to improve Washington’s aviation infrastructure and create local aerospace jobs.
Rep. Larsen was a key negotiator of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization law, which continued programs that awarded over $94 million in grants to improve Washington airports, including $5.5 million to modernize Paine Field, Skagit Regional Airport and Bellingham International airport’s aviation infrastructure. Rep. Larsen also secured three FAA grants totaling $2,841,542 to modernize airport infrastructure, improve runway safety and create jobs at Friday Harbor Airport, Lopez Island Airport and Anacortes Airport.
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