FAA Allocates US$187M to Modernize Airports

DALLAS — The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is providing funding for 91 airport-related infrastructure grants across 34 states. These grants are part of POTUS' Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, which aims to improve airport facilities across the country.

The total funding for airport improvements, including terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, and runway safety enhancements, is US$25 billion. The grants announced today, totaling US$186.7 million, will support critical upgrades at 91 airports across the country.

Some of the airports receiving funding include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan (US$61.8 million), San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California (US$23.5 million), Kodiak Airport (ADQ) in Alaska (US$19.7 million), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pennsylvania (US$20.5 million), and Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine (US$8.1 million).

The map below shows each airport with funding allocations and the projects underway.

Comments from DOT, FTC Grant Program

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of ensuring safe and stress-free travel for millions of passengers. "The funding we're announcing today will help 91 airports make critical upgrades to improve travel and further modernize our aviation infrastructure.”

According to the DOT, to date, nearly US$9 billion of the initial US$15 billion allocated for the AIG program has been made available to airports nationwide. The program includes upgrades including runway and taxiway improvements, safety and sustainability projects, terminal expansions, and airport-transit connections.

Additionally, as part of the BIL Airport Infrastructure improvement initiative, US$100 million"will be provided over 5 years—started in FY2022—through the FAA Contract Tower (FTC) Competitive Grant Program."

The FAA states that the purpose of the FCT Competitive Grant Program "is to make annual grants available to eligible airports for airport-owned airport traffic control tower projects that address the aging infrastructure of the nation's airports." Program information and applications instructions can be found on the grant program page.