The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded Ontario International Airport (ONT) an $11.4 million grant for the rehabilitation of its existing taxiways through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The airport, located approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California, covers 1,741 acres. It has two parallel, long runways. Work will include airfield lighting, concrete, drainage, grading, and signage upgrades.
“I am happy to announce this critical federal funding for Ontario International Airport,” U.S. Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) said. “As travel and e-commerce continues to boom in the Inland Empire, we must ensure that the airport’s infrastructure is safe and efficient. These funds will allow ONT to keep goods and passengers on the move and keep our COVID-19 economic recovery on the right track.”
The Inland Empire is a metropolitan area inland and adjacent to Los Angeles that includes cities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The airport is the fastest-growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a publication for frequent fliers. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan.
In addition, ONT’s role in the nation’s supply chain has increased with the rise in e-commerce.
Torres previously secured additional federal funding for the airport.