Thompson, Huffman Announce $10 Million in Federal Funding for Sonoma County Airport

Washington – Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) announced that the Sonoma County Airport has received a $10 million federal grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin construction on a terminal expansion.

"We all know that our county and our entire region is a world-class destination and we want to work together to boost our local businesses. We are also working to ensure local public safety has every resource possible, including increased access to air service to get needed resources in and out," said Thompson. "That's why I am proud to announce that the Sonoma County Airport will receive $10 million in federal funding to expand its terminal and increase service capacity for even more flights in and out of the North Bay. I advocated to DOT for this much-needed funding because we must our reach and support our local economy."

"I'm glad that the Federal Aviation Administration has provided this highly-competitive grant for the expansion of Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, which provides essential services to those in Sonoma County and to the tens of thousands who fly here to visit the North Coast," said Huffman, a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. "It's a great sign that Sonoma's airport is expanding to meet the increase in air travel in the North Bay, to support our region's tourism and economic development, and to help ensure continued passenger safety. This initial federal support will allow the project to begin construction, and Congressman Thompson and I will continue to advocate for its full funding."

"This is exciting news for Sonoma County as these funds will kickstart the much-anticipated construction of new terminal facilities befitting Sonoma County as a world class destination for citizen and visitor alike. This grant would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our Congressional Delegation, especially Congressman Mike Thompson," said Chairman David Rabbitt, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.

"This grant, will allow the Airport to start the construction of the terminal expansion to accommodate the recent growth in air service in the north bay. The terminal project was started four years ago, and the Airport will be able to commence construction in first quarter 2020. The FAA supplemental grant was highly competitive with only 5 percent of the applicants awarded grant funds. While the amount is less than expected, the Airport will be able to construct the shell of the terminal expansion while working with the FAA for future grants to finalize the project over the next two years," said Airport Manager Jon Stout. "The project would not have been able to move forward without this grant and the grant would not have been possible without the assistance and efforts of our many partners including our congressional delegation."

You can click here to learn more about how this grant will be used to expand the airport.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5^th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he chairs the Subcommittee on Tax Policy. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition.