Pullman Airport receives $3.2 federal ILS grant

The Department of Transportation has granted Pullman Regional Airport $3.2 million to assist with their ongoing runway realignment project by funding a new Instrument Landing System (ILS). Installation of the system is slated to begin in January of 2019.

According to Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport executive director Tony Bean, ILS helps pilots by enhancing navigation capabilities when flying in inclement weather and improves their ability to navigate the difficult terrain of the Palouse.

The grant was announced last week by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers.

The ILS will dramatically reduce the number of flight cancellations and delays due to poor weather, said Bean.

“We will still have cancellations, but it will be more like big airports like Spokane now,” Bean explained.

Spokane International will receive more than $8 million to go toward the installation of the Runway Vertical/Visual Guidance System and enhanced runway guidance signage.

“I was proud to support the legislation that authorizes this grant funding to help continue to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure,” McMorris Rodgers said. “Eastern Washington airports help connect our region to the rest of the world, providing economic benefits and global access to our communities.”