The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a further 427 million USD in grants to modernise US airports.
The funding will benefit 245 airport-related infrastructure projects across 39 states as part of the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) programme.
In total, 25 billion USD is included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for airport improvements such as terminal expansions and baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:Americans are flying in record numbers this summer, and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to invest in our nation’s airports to make travel more convenient for passengers. The funding we’re announcing, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help airports across the country make needed improvements to ensure safety and efficiency now and for years to come.
The airports receiving funding in this latest round include:
John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Ohio — Awarded 29.4 million USD to fund the construction of a new terminal tarmac and taxiway, along with extending an existing taxiway to improve safety.
El Paso International Airport in Texas — Granted 10.6 million USD to construct a new general aviation (GA) apron and rehabilitate the existing GA apron pavement, enhancing efficiency.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in California — Received 18.1 million USD to build a new taxiway and a new terminal to accommodate additional passengers.
Southwest Florida International Airport in Florida —Allocated 24.9 million USD to construct a new taxiway, expand a concourse apron, and add an off-ramp and three traffic lanes to the terminal access road, facilitating more vehicular traffic.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minnesota — Secured 8.5 million USD to expand the terminal access road and rehabilitate a tarmac and taxiway, enhancing safety.
Hector International Airport in North Dakota — Awarded 11.2 million USD to expand the existing terminal by adding four gates, accommodating more passengers and baggage.
Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas — Granted 4.2 million USD to improve the existing airfield drainage system and Runway 13/31 safety area, mitigating runway excursions and increasing safety.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Kentucky — Received 13.6 million USD to replace passenger boarding bridges, improving passenger movement efficiency.
Glacier Park International Airport in Montana — Allocated 6 million USD to expand the existing terminal, including gates, ticketing and kiosk areas, security checkpoints, and passenger holdrooms to accommodate more passengers.
Norfolk International Airport in Virginia — Secured 13 million USD for the final phase of construction to rehabilitate Runway 5/23 and partially fund the terminal building expansion, increasing capacity.
A full list of AIG grants is available on the FAA website, here.
FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. said:Today’s investment is the second largest in AIG history. We’re supporting safety with lighting and runway signage upgrades and improving the traveller experience with new terminals.
The Airport Infrastructure Grant programme is one of three aviation grant programs created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
To date, nearly 9 billion USD of the 15 billion USD total of AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country.
