A collection of recently-awarded federal grants is expected to allow the Tri-Cities Airport to improve operations and reduce delays for aircraft during the winter travel season. 

The airport has received $8.3 million through the federal Airport Improvement Program to expand its aircraft deicing facility and make other airfield improvements. 

Once completed, the expanded deicing pad will be able to provide deicing treatments to three planes at a time. The funding also will go toward construction of infrastructure for deicing runoff, two new taxiways and relocation of Federal Aviation Administration weather and navigational equipment 

“This project is another important investment in the future of Tri-Cities Airport, and we’re grateful for the support of our federal partners in making it possible,” said Buck Taft, the airport’s director, in a statement. “As passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that we continue improving the infrastructure that supports safe and efficient operations throughout every season at PSC. Expanding our deicing capabilities and modernizing the surrounding airfield will allow us to better serve our airline partners and the traveling public for years to come.” 

Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2027 following project bidding this year. 

The project is the latest in a slew of improvements at the airport in the past several years. Recent improvements have included terminal modernization projects, new passenger boarding bridges and the shifting of a runway.