The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the award of 970 million USD in funding to help improve 114 airports across the US.
This funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It aims to help meet the growing demand for air travel while improving the passenger experience, accessibility and sustainability.
Investments to help enhance the passenger experience include new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints, increased gate capacity and the modernisation of ageing infrastructure throughout terminals and ground transportation.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:Under this administration, we are doing more to improve the travel experience than ever before, from expanding consumer protections to modernising the physical infrastructure. These investments we’re announcing today, made possible by President Biden’s historic infrastructure package, will make it easier for passengers to get to and through airports, create jobs, and increase safety for all.
Several of these grants will help build new or expanded terminal facilities. This includes:
- 35 million USD to Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia to help fund the construction of a 14-gate, 400,000 sq. ft. terminal building, including connections to the Aerotrain and Metrorail
- 20 million USD to Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah for the Concourse B terminal expansion that will include 16 gates.
- 10 million USD to Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota for the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing terminal
Additionally, many of the grants look to improve the passenger experience by improving security-screening areas, upgrading baggage systems and enhancing accessibility. Among them are:
- 40 million USD to Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Illinois to fund improvements to Terminal 3, including a reconfigured TSA checkpoint, a new hold room and updates to the baggage system.
- 26.6 million USD to Denver International Airport in Colorado to fund a portion of the baggage handling system replacement
Some of the grants will increase access to other modes of transportation, such as:
- 31 million USD to Los Angeles International Airport in California for its Auxiliary Curbs project at ITF West and ITF East
- 8 million USD to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida for the reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal access and curbside roadways
- 7 million USD to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana for the North/South Connector Road project, which will connect the airport’s North and South terminals, as well as the airport’s upcoming multimodal transit facility with a passenger rail service
Nine grants are awarded to airports to refurbish their traffic control towers. This includes:
- 10 million USD to Duluth International Airport in Minnesota for the relocation of its tower, commissioned in 1963
- 5.4 million USD to Martin State Airport in Middle River, Maryland to partially fund a new airport traffic control tower
A complete list of airports receiving funding can be found here.
