Yakima, Wash. – U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell met with Yakima Airport Director Robert Hodgman and Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker on Thursday to discuss the airport's recent expansions and ambitious plans for sustainable travel.

During the discussion, Hodgman outlined efforts to secure federal funding to build electric vehicle charging infrastructure aimed at accommodating environmentally friendly small commuter aircraft. The project would provide short-haul travelers an alternative to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, reducing travel demand at SeaTac while positioning Yakima as a sustainable air travel hub.

“It takes pressure off SeaTac and what we have is what I call this distributed air service because we become a hub within a hub,” Hodgman said. “You see fewer cars on the road, shorter travel times, no hassle and no boarding because you are boarding at a small community airport and literally carrying your own luggage.”

Yakima Airport is currently seeking funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program and the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). However, Hodgman noted that the AIP's existing rules make it difficult for smaller airports to access this funding.

Senator Cantwell emphasized the importance of flexibility within the AIP to help regional airports advance sustainable initiatives. The law contains new provisions to promote the sustainability of airports.

The airport also recently received a $1 million federal grant from the FAA's Airport Terminal Program, funded through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, to replace an aging baggage chute with a new conveyor belt. This update is expected to improve the passenger experience. Completion is scheduled for summer 2025.

Yakima Airport's continued efforts to modernize its facilities and adopt electric travel could make it a leader in sustainable aviation in Washington.