1:35 Airway Heights is asking the Washington State Legislature for $16 million to build a new water system after their supply was contaminated by firefighting chemicals used on Fairchild Air Force Base. Nearly four years ago, the city of Airway Heights discovered its water was contaminated by firefighting chemicals used at nearby Fairchild Air Force Base. Now, the city is asking the state of Washington to pitch in for a new source of clean drinking water. Airway Heights needs about $22 million for a new water system. City Manager Albert Tripp says construction can begin late next year, but first he has to find the money. Tripp said the city’s $16 million request in the state’s capital budget is a key piece of that funding.