Department of Transportation (DOT) officials said just under $800 million has been earmarked via the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assist airports with safety and infrastructure initiatives.
Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said the funding allotment would aid airports in 46 states, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Marshall Islands.
“This federal investment in airport infrastructure will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs, and provide many economic benefits for local communities,” Chao said.
Projects benefiting from the funds, per authorities, include purchasing aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, constructing runways and taxiways, repairing runways and taxiways, installing aircraft lighting and signage, conducting airport master plan studies, and installing airport perimeter fencing.
“These 383 grants will allow airport sponsors to either begin or complete construction projects that will maintain the safety and efficiency of our national airport system,” FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson said.
The funding total includes $689 million from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and $104.4 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants to equal a 100 percent federal share.