Department of Transportation (DOT) officials said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has earmarked $335 million in airport safety and infrastructure grants to 80 airports in 25 states.
“Airport infrastructure projects funded by this $335 million in federal funding will advance safety, improve travel, generate jobs, and provide other economic benefits for local communities,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The funding allotment, which includes $300 million from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and $35 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants, would be used for a variety of infrastructure and safety projects – including 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 61 AIP grants will allow airports around the country to begin and complete projects that are vital to the safe and efficient operation of our nation’s airports,” FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson said.
Authorities noted since January 2017, the Trump administration has steered $14.5 billion to the nation’s airports to enhance infrastructure and safety. In 2020, the Administration has delivered $10 billion in economic assistance to America’s airports under the CARES Act to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.