On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded nearly 300 grants in 47 states to modernize airports.
The DOT said $566.4 million in Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, were part of the $25 billion included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for airport and air traffic control infrastructure improvements. AIG funds can be used for airport planning, development, sustainability, terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements and noise compatibility projects, officials said. The grants were the ninth round of funding for the AIG program.
“As Americans fly in record numbers, the Biden-Harris Administration is improving our nation’s airports to make travel more convenient for passengers,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, said. “The funding we’re announcing today, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help airports across the country make needed improvements to ensure safety, efficiency and sustainability for years to come.”
Among the grant recipient projects were the Kailua/Kona Ellison Onizuka Kona International at Keahole, Hawaii, which received $49.6 million to rehabilitate Runway 17/35; Moline Quad Cities International in Illinois, which received $8.2 million to expand its existing terminal; and Louisville Muhammad Ali International in Louisville, Kentucky which received $34.6 million to expand its existing terminal to include a TSA checkpoint, solar microgrid and emergency generator.
“We’re helping ensure traveler safety by upgrading every part of airfield operations, from better runway and taxiway configuration to vivid signage, better lighting, and improved pavement markings,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E.