FAA awards $187 million in airport grants

0
3072

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded another round of funding for 90 airport-related infrastructure grants, totaling $186.7 million across 34 states.

The projects are funded under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, part of the $25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements such as terminal expansions and baggage system upgrades, to runway safety enhancements. To date, nearly $9 billion of the $15 billion total of AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country.

“Millions of people fly every day, and making sure passengers can get to and from their destinations safely, and with less stress, has been a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The funding we’re announcing today will help 91 airports make critical upgrades to improve travel and further modernize our aviation infrastructure.”

FAA associate administrator for airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, added: “These grants not only invest in the physical infrastructure of our airports, but also in strengthening safety and improving efficiency for travelers, and help the economy thrive.”

Airports receiving the largest funding are:

  • $61.8 million to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Michigan:This grant funds the rehabilitation of an existing on-airport roadway to provide a path for aircraft rescue firefighting trucks, airport vehicles, or ground service equipment to safely operate in movement areas.
  • $23.5 million to San Diego International Airport in California: This grant funds the construction of a new 1.2 million-square-foot terminal building to include 30 gates and related areas.
  • $19.7 million to Kodiak Airport in Alaska:This grant funds the reconstruction of Taxiway F pavement to meet FAA design standards and improve safety.
  • $20.5 million to Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds reconstruction of the existing terminal building to allow for more efficient movement of passengers and baggage, increase energy efficiencies and replace aging infrastructure including the gate seating areas at 30 gates.
  • $8.1 million to Portland International Jetport in Maine: This grant funds rehabilitation of a portion of the existing parallel Taxiway A pavement to meet FAA standards and various other airfield projects such as installation of taxiway lighting that improve safety.

More than $454 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been made available so far, for more than 56,000 infrastructure projects across the nation. More than$866 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments have been made in the US.