North Carolina launches Advanced Air Mobility Planning Program grants

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Division of Aviation recently launched the Advanced Air Mobility Planning Grant Program.

The goal of the program is to enhance airports to attract new businesses. Local municipalities and regional planning organizations have the opportunity to develop or enhance existing comprehensive plans that leverage Advanced Air Mobility to improve fuel economic growth, transportation options, and the quality of life for residents.

The plans are used to help communities better position themselves for future aviation opportunities and technologies.

“Aviation is a gateway to North Carolina’s economic growth, and this new grant program will give North Carolina communities the tools they need to leverage new technologies to enhance their local transportation ecosystems and prepare for future mobility solutions,” Becca Gallas, NCDOT director of aviation, said. “This program is the next step in our Advanced Mobility NC plan, allowing us to continue fostering forward-thinking planning and ensuring that North Carolina remains at the forefront of mobility innovation and continues its legacy as forever First in Flight.”

The department will award $1 million. The application deadline is Nov. 8.

The funding can be used for various planning initiatives including feasibility studies, policy and regulation alignment, multimodal integration planning, land-use and infrastructure planning, and transportation needs assessments.