WSU and U of I pledge combined $1 million for new airport terminal
Washington State University and the University of Idaho are teaming up to support the construction of a new terminal at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.
The two universities announced today a combined $1 million pledge toward the airport terminal project. This latest financial support follows significant commitments from the cities of Moscow and Pullman.
“Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport is a key gateway that connects the Palouse to the broader world. It is essential that we help the airport continue to grow into a modern facility capable of helping support the varied transportation needs of our university and the regions we serve,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said.
Travel demands among students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars and alumni are climbing dramatically. Between 2009 and 2019, the number of passengers traveling through PUW increased by 133%, from 30,128 to more than 70,000. Current projections call for 137,000 passengers to travel through the airport by 2029, increasing further to 176,000 by 2040.
“Access to quality and affordable travel options for our students and their families is critical,” University of Idaho President Scott Green said. “Starting with the runway project and the expansion of flights, the improvements to our local airport make our area even more attractive to students.”
PUW’s recent runway realignment project allows for larger aircraft to land on the Palouse, ensuring compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration while reducing weather-related flight cancellations.
“A modernized passenger terminal is vital for this region,” PUW Airport Board Chair and Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson said. “I’m very grateful for our community partners stepping up to support this effort.”
The new terminal is expected to cost $61 million, with $51 million coming from federal sources. WSU is contributing $600,000 while U of I is pledging $400,000. The cities of Pullman and Moscow have each contributed $2 million.
Earlier this year, Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport hosted an open house dedicated to sharing with the community its vision for the new terminal. Information presented during that event is available on the airport’s website.
Media Contact
Phil Weiler, vice president for marketing and communications, 509-335-1221, phil.weiler@wsu.edu
