The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently 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.
[Above graphic by the FAA]
“From our regional hubs to some of America’s busiest airports, we are investing in critical infrastructure that will provide American families with a more seamless, efficient travel experience for years to come,” said Sean Duffy, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, in a statement.
“We’re making airports safer and more convenient for travelers across the U.S,” added Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator. “We’re releasing grants at record speed to ensure we keep up with the growing demand for travel.”
State departments of transportation are also supporting airports in their respective regions of the country with funding.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), for example, recently awarded more than $3.1 million in grants to support improvement projects at 11 local airports. Those grants are part of ALDOT’s Alabama Airport Improvement Funding Program, which provides financial assistance and technical support to public-use airports across the state.
Eligible projects may include land acquisition, runway upgrades, facility repairs, maintenance, and operational improvements, the agency said.
“Safe, reliable airport facilities require continued investment,” said Frank Farmer, chief of ALDOT’s Aeronautics Bureau, in a statement. “These grants will help local airports address important needs and maintain facilities that pilots, businesses and communities can depend on.”
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Transportation collectively awarded $8 million in state grand funding to 39 airports statewide to support pavement improvement and turf rehabilitation projects; crack rehabilitation and removal of obstructions on runways and taxiways; planning for stormwater pollution prevention; fuel pump replacements; as well as facilities upgrades and maintenance and security lighting. That funding – issued via MnDOT’s Aeronautics Capital Grant Fund – will support 57 projects overall, the agency said.
“These projects reflect MnDOT’s ongoing commitment to supporting safe and sustainable aviation,” explained Nancy Daubenberger, MnDOT commissioner, in a statement. “Minnesota airports act as economic catalysts for all corners of the state, providing crucial transportation hubs to connect people, businesses and emergency services and vital centers for aviation training and job development.”
