The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be releasing the first $677 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding soon, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao recently said.
A total of $3.2 billion will be awarded to airports across the country. AIP funding is based on activity levels and project needs. If a project surpasses available entitlement funds, the FAA has the option to supplement funding.
“These Airport Improvement Program grants will enhance airport safety, modernize our aviation infrastructure and strengthen the economic vitality of communities throughout the country,” Chao said.
This round of funding provides 241 grants to 346 infrastructure projects.
The three largest grants were awarded to Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, $16.3 million; Denver International Airport in Denver, $14.2 million; and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers, $13.6 million.
Salt Lake City will use the funds to repair the apron area, Denver will repair runways, taxiways, and taxiway lighting, and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport will repair a taxiway.
Nationwide, there are 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways that contribute $1.6 trillion to the economy and support approximately 11 million jobs.
AIP was established in 1982 and revised in 2012. Funding is from the Airport and Airway Trust fund.