More than 171 projects across 32 states received grant funding through the Airport infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.
Funding by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the more than $332 million in grants will be used for airport planning, development sustainability, terminal expansion, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements and noise compatibility projects.
“We are using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make historic investments in our nation’s airports to address a backlog of needs and accommodate growing air travel demand,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “These investments—some already completed and many more still underway—ensure the traveling public will have safer and more accessible and efficient airports for decades to come.”
The grants awarded include$84.3 million for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport for a new 2,100-foot taxiway; $18.8 million for the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport for terminal expansion, and $6.7 million for the Tallahassee International Airport to construct new taxiways and add lighting to conform to FAA design and safety standards.
“Today, we invest in critical updates and improvements that help ensure travelers reach their destinations safely and efficiently,” FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. said.
The funding is part of three aviation grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $12 billion of the $15 billion in AIG funding has been made available.