AASHTO Journal - FAA Issues $187M in Airport Infrastructure Grants

The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded $187 million worth of grants to 90 infrastructure projects at 90 airports across 34 states.

[Above photo by the FAA]

The projects are funded via the Airport Infrastructure Grants or AIG program to support improvements such as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, and runway safety enhancements.

“These grants not only invest in the physical infrastructure of our airports, but also in strengthening safety and improving efficiency for travelers, and help the economy thrive,” noted Shannetta Griffin, the FAA’s associate administrator for airports, in a statement.

This round of grant funding allows the award of $76.1 million to 45 airport-related infrastructure projects in 22 states via the AIG program in May and $148.3 million in AIG funds to 73 airport-related infrastructure projects in 28 states and Guam in April.

The AIG program – one of three aviation-focused funding initiatives created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA – provides about $15 billion in total funding over five years with $3 billion available annually. The other two airport-focused funding efforts overseen by the FAA include the Airport Terminal Program or ATP and the Airport Improvement Program or AIP.

State departments of transportation are supporting airport infrastructure throughout their respective regions via project funding initiatives and a variety of outreach efforts.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation, for example, just launched a $10 million program approved by the state legislature to support airport terminal projects statewide.

“South Dakota Airport Terminal Program funds will play pivotal role in strengthening the aviation infrastructure and enhancing economic development in our state,” said Joel Jundt, South Dakota DOT’s secretary, in a statement. “The SDATP will help our airports meet growing demands and improve services for residents and visitors alike.”

The agency said SDATP funds are unique, as they are one-time appropriations distinct from the traditional Aeronautics Commission policies. Thus applicants must choose between using existing State Aeronautics Trust Funds or funds from the new SDATP their terminal projects, South Dakota DOT pointed out.

Meanwhile, the aeronautics group with the Arizona Department of Transportation named the Show Low Regional Airport as the state’s “Airport of the Year” for 2024. Show Low also won this designation in 2007.

The agency cited the northeastern Arizona airport’s work on a “Focused Planning Study,” scheduled for completion this year, to evaluate the viability of a new runway to better align with prevailing winds – a study that will also serve as a road map for an Environmental Assessment that will follow.

Additionally, Show Low upgraded the lighting on its primary runway to light emitting diodes or LEDs, replaced directional runway signage, acquired a striping machine to maintain airport markings, and began using a new software to better track operational data. The airport is also engaged in designing projects to build 10 additional aircraft hangars and add two large helicopter pads that will enhance regional firefighting capabilities.