U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced more than 400 airports across the country and in U.S. territories will receive $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. (FAA).
“This $1.2 billion federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety, and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” Chao said.
Of the funding, $1 billion comes from the Airport Improvement Program, while $152 million comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants that will cover the local governments’ portion of the projects, bringing the federal share of the projects to 100 percent.
“The 434 AIP grants will fund critical airport infrastructure projects around the country,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson.
The grants will be used for a variety of critical infrastructure and safety projects, including purchasing aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, constructing or repairing runways or taxiways, installing aircraft lighting or signage, conducting airport master plan studies, or installing airport perimeter fencing.
Projects include $166,666 in Monticello, Ark., for Monticello Municipal/Ellis Field to improve airport drainage to more than $43 million for the Daniel K Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii, to widen the runway.