WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Sunnyside, is trying to return the operating hours of Grant County International Airport to what they were before May 2020.

Newhouse led a Washington state congressional delegation in a letter to Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Stephen Dickson to try to restore the operating hours after they were reduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release.

The FAA reduced the hours of the Air Traffic Control tower, or ATC, and Terminal Radar Approach Control facility, or TRACON, at Grant County International Airport, code name MWH, the statement said.

“First and foremost, the Port of Moses Lake, operators at MWH, and other interested stakeholders appreciate that the FAA Regional Administrator committed to no further reductions of operating hours at MWH as previously indicated,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, we still believe the May 2020 reduction of evening hours at MWH creates an additional burden and adds too much risk to our constituents’ safety as we begin what could be a dangerous wildfire season.”

The letter — also signed by Reps. Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rogers, Kim Schrier and Jaime Herrera Beutler — highlighted the role of the airport in the region and requested the return of pre-COVID-19 operating hours. The lawmakers went on to explain the importance of the airport to the state’s military and aviation industries.

The letter continued to explain that to host civilian and military aviation activities at the airport requires the ATC tower and TRACON to be open early in the day and late into the evening to take advantage of factors unique to the airport on the north side of Moses Lake.

According to the letter, FAA Regional Administrator David Suomi, members of the Washington congressional and state delegation agreed that pre-May 2020 operating hours must return as soon as safely possible.

The lawmakers wrote: “In recent weeks, the FAA has proven at other airports that controllers can remain safe and maintain pre-COVID-19 operating hours. Safety is paramount for both tower operators but also critical military readiness and wildfire safety. Furthermore, we understand that the Port of Moses Lake, which operates MWH, has offered to provide additional cleaning supplies and other personal protective equipment (PPE).”