Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials said 19 Alaska airports would receive $85 million in Airport Improvement Program grants to bolster safety, access and sustainability efforts.
“Aviation is a way of life in America and nowhere is this truer than in Alaska,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “These grants invest in the safety of Alaska’s airport infrastructure.”
Aviation serves as the foundation of daily commerce to communities throughout the state — including food and life-saving supplies delivery, inter-city and inter-village transportation, as well as emergency medical evacuations and commuting.
Projects slated to receive funding, per officials, include Bethel Airport, receiving $34.3 million to reinforce the strength of the runway; reconstruct and rehabilitate the taxiway, airport lighting vault, emergency generator and airfield guidance signs; and buy snow removal equipment.
Additionally, Atqasuk Edward Burnell Sr. Memorial Airport in Atqasuk has been awarded grants totaling $20.7 million to repair the gravel pavement on Runway 6/24; the aircraft parking area; the taxiway to the parking apron; and execute other airfield improvements.
According to the FAA, the Airport Improvement Program receives approximately $3.2 billion in funding each year and the agency is slated to award over 1,800 grants this year.
Alaska airports have received $208.4 million in 2021 grants, per authorities.