Oakland, Calif. – September 22, 2011 – The Port of Oakland just announced that Oakland International Airport (OAK) will receive over $6.5 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to rehabilitate its taxiways. This funding allows OAK to continue modernizing its facilities in support of its air carrier and cargo operators.

“It is wonderful to see this essential funding be awarded to the Port of Oakland and the Oakland International Airport,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “I know that continued investment in transportation projects will improve upon the excellent service provided by the airport and will continue to stimulate our economy.”

The DOT grant helps pay for the rehabilitation of Taxiways W and U ($7.5 million) and updating of the Pavement Maintenance and Management Program ($600,000) bringing the total cost of these projects to $8.1 million. The federal share is $6.5 million. The Port’s share of these projects is $1.6 million.

Continuing with the Pavement Maintenance and Management Program, which identifies pavement condition and predicts needed improvements, is critical to maintaining safety, setting paving priorities and optimizing use of federal and local funds. Taxiways U and W are critical taxiways adjacent to the main air carrier Runway 11-29. Taxiway U provides aircraft egress from Runway 11 when landing from the northwest on Runway 11. Taxiway W is parallel to Runway 11-29 and provides aircraft access and egress to both runway ends.

"The Port of Oakland thanks Congresswoman Barbara Lee for her consistent and tireless support of Oakland International Airport projects and the U.S. Department of Transportation for providing our airport with funding that helps us remain safe and competitive," said Port Commission President Pamela Calloway. "Management of our airfield pavement is a top priority for maintaining safe operations at Oakland International Airport and for putting people to work.”

According to Martin Associates, an economic impact analysis firm, these projects will support approximately 116 direct, indirect and induced jobs. Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering more than 300 daily passenger and cargo flights.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports nearly 70,000 jobs in the region and over 800,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port of Oakland on Twitter or YouTube, or at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:

Marilyn Sandifur, Port Spokesperson
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur