FAA Awards $677 Million in Airport Improvement Grants
The airport improvement grants are designed to “strengthen the safety and efficiency” of the country’s airports, according to the FAA. Shutterstock
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The 241 grants will fund 346 infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, aprons and terminals.
The Federal Aviation Administration is awarding $677 million in infrastructure grants to airports across the country, the first allotment of $3.18 billion in funding under the agency’s Airport Improvement Program, or AIP.
The 241 grants will fund 346 infrastructure projects, including repairs and expansions of runways, taxiways, aprons and terminals.
“If you want a strong transportation system, you have to invest in airport infrastructure,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement. “Airports are the backbone of aviation. These communities are going to reap greater safety, efficiency and economic dividends for years to come.”
There are 3,323 airports and 5,000 paved runways in the United States, and civil aviation generates $1.6 trillion in economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs, according to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis.
The airport improvement grants are designed to “strengthen the safety and efficiency” of the country’s airports, according to the agency.
Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If a facility’s capital project needs exceed its available entitlement funds, the FAA can boost their allotment with discretionary funding.
Some of the grants awarded include:
Salt Lake City International Airport, Salt Lake City, $16.3 million—Repairs to the airport’s apron area, used primarily for aircraft parking.
Denver International Airport, Denver, $14.2 million—Repairs to runways, taxiways, and runway and taxiway lighting.
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers, Arkansas, $13.6 million—Taxiway repair.
King Salmon Airport, King Salmon, Alaska, $12.8 million—Runway and taxiway repairs. The project is important to local community members, who mainly use air transportation to move people, goods and services, according to the FAA.
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina, $12.6 million—Airport apron expansion.
San Diego International Airport, San Diego, $12.1 million—Taxiway repair.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix, $7.2 million—Reconstruction of the airport apron.
Boston Logan International Airport, Boston, $5.8 million—Taxiway repair.
Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago, $3.1 million—Expansion of the cargo facility.
View the full list of projects here.
Kate Elizabeth Queram is a Staff Correspondent for Government Executive’s Route Fifty and is based in Washington, D.C.
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