AASHTO Journal - FAA Issues $615M in Airport Improvement Grants

The Federal Aviation Administration recently issued $615 million via its Airport Improvement Program or AIP to 238 recipients in 42 states and two U.S. territories to support projects that improve runway and taxiway infrastructure, invest in family-friendly features in terminals, and support critical airfield safety upgrades.

[Above photo by the Colorado DOT]

The agency noted that airports can use AIP funding for infrastructure projects encompassing runways and taxiways, as well as for signage, lighting, markings, and other safety-related needs.

Through that funding, “we’re improving safety and efficiency at airports throughout the U.S.,” said Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator, in a statement. “We’re prioritizing these grants in a time when Americans are traveling more than ever, ensuring we fulfill our promise to transform the passenger travel experience.”

This is the latest in a series of airport-focused funding disbursements made by the FAA.

For example, in early August, the agency issued $870 million via its Airport Infrastructure Grants or AIG program to airports in 44 states and two territories. That money funds 339 grants for projects aimed at improving runway infrastructure, enhancing safety, and adding more family-friendly features at U.S. airports.

In July, the FAA issued a total of $1.776 billion through its AIP and AIG programs to airports in 46 states to help support a variety of projects focused on runway rehabilitations, family-friendly enhancements, and safety upgrades.

In June, the FAA issued more than $523 million in AIG program funding to airports in 43 states to support runway rehabilitation, taxiway improvements, terminal upgrades, and other airfield investments.

And in May, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued $750 million to replace eight air traffic control towers and Terminal Radar Approach Controls or TRACONs with new facilities alongside $85.5 million from the FAA to upgrade Federal Contract Towers or FCTs at 41 airports across 24 states.