The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced it will spearhead a study to evaluate the need for preservation and safety projects at the state’s 136 public-use airports.

The study’s findings will be used to develop airport investment funding proposals for future legislative sessions. The study also will evaluate current funding levels for airport preservation and safety projects; assess short-term and long-term airport improvement needs; determine consequences of doing nothing in terms of economic and aviation system impacts; and discuss funding options to address airport investment needs.

“At the end of the day, this study should tell us what projects are needed at our state’s airports, determine how much they will cost and identify some practical ways to fund them,” said WSDOT aviation director Tristan Atkins. “It’s important that we bring all stakeholders to the table to take a closer look at potential funding options for Washington’s diverse public-use airports.”

The airport investment study will kick off this spring with stakeholder meetings and conclude with the publication of a comprehensive report in time for the 2014 legislative session.