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In an ongoing effort to modernize U.S. airports, the FAA announced Thursday that it is awarding another $76.1 million for 45 airport-related infrastructure projects in 22 states. The money is from a previously allocated $9 billion funded under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants program, which covers a $25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements like terminal expansions and baggage system upgrades.
"Millions of Americans fly every day, and it's important that our nation's airports be equipped to handle such a volume of passengers," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. "The grants we're announcing today will make key improvements to ensure passengers move safely and efficiently through our airports—and is another example of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to modernizing our nation's aviation systems."FAA Airport Infrastructure Grant mapThe funding is being sent for projects like rehabilitating existing terminal buildings and reconstructing old taxiway pavement.$6.4 million to Colorado Springs Airport (COS): This project rehabilitates the existing terminal building to accommodate a 14,000-square-foot Federal Inspection Service facility to help customers clear customs more efficiently after arriving. The rehabilitation includes space reconfiguration to meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and increasing energy efficiency.
$3 million to Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB): This project funds the first phase of the terminal building rehabilitation, consisting of the installation of a new baggage system.
$1.8 million to South Bend International Airport (SBN): With funding, the airport will reconstruct 8,500 feet of the existing Taxiway B pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. The project improvements will also correct the Taxiway B alignment geometry to meet FAA design standards, enhancing the maneuvering of commercial aircraft on the airport terminal apron and improving the overall operational safety of the non-movement area.
$2.4 million to Easton Airport (ESW): This project improves the Runway 22 safety area to bolster the safety of operations at the airport. The project also includes continued construction site preparation, including drainage.
$8.3 million to Bangor International (BGR): This project will rehabilitate 7,436 feet of Runway 15/33 to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize debris. The project includes rehabilitating 2,241 feet of runway pavement.
$1 million to Dickinson-Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK): Funding will go toward the design phase to reconstruct the existing 10,200-square-foot terminal building which will allow for the efficient movement of passengers and baggage.
$2.9 million to Grand Forks International Airport (GFK): The money will fund runway reconstruction projects to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize debris.
$27.8 million to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): With the funding, the airport will install runway edge drains to protect the Runway 8R/26L and taxiway pavements from deterioration. This project will also reconstruct 104,416 square yards of the existing holding pad apron pavement, prevent further pavement deterioration and reduce debris, creating a safer aircraft parking area.
$8.1 million to Joe Foss Field Airport (FSD) in Sioux Falls: This project is funding the design phase to expand the existing terminal building an additional 42,000 square feet to increase airport capacity to meet operational needs. The project also rehabilitates 24,600 square feet of the existing terminal building to meet design standards.
$1 million to Friday Harbor Airport (FHR): This project will increase the capacity of the existing airport fuel farm by adding a supplemental tank for Jet A fuel and installing a larger 12,500-gallon aviation gas fuel tank.
The AIG program is one of three aviation programs created by President Biden's Infrastructure Law. To date, almost $9 billion of the $15 billion total of AIG funding has been made available to airports in the U.S. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a historic investment in the country's infrastructure and competitiveness, rebuilding roads and bridges, expanding and upgrading public transit and rail and modernizing ports and airports. The Administration has announced more than $448 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for more than 51,000 projects across the country, mobilizing over $688 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the U.S.RELATED STORIES:FAA awards another $148M to airports thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure LawFAA awards $66m for airport improvements across countryBipartisan Infrastructure Law awards $200m to light the way to runway safety
In early April the FAA shared that it was granting $148.3 million in funding to airports in 28 states and Guam for 73 airport-related infrastructure projects. This helped to fund projects like terminal expansions and the development of aircraft rescue and firefighting buildings. In December 2023 the FAA shared that airports in 23 states and Puerto Rico were receiving funding for projects. In September 2023 the FAA shared that $200 million was heading to 82 airports across the country to have airfield lighting systems installed. This funding is helping to improve the country's airports and bolster safety and operations.
"These grants help make key improvements that enhance safety and efficiency at airports of all sizes across the nation." FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin said.