The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $84.4 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Sept. 25.
The grants in Texas, North Carolina and Wyoming airports will be spent on strengthening and modernizing essential facilities, improving airfield infrastructure, enhancing passenger amenities, and addressing safe and efficient airport operations.
“Across the country, we are making long overdue investments into airport infrastructure that will enhance the travel experience for American families. Through runway, terminal, and facility updates, we are making sure our overall systems are more reliable and resilient,” Duffy said.
The AIP grant program was passed in 1982 as part of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act and provides grants to public agencies, and in some cases private owners and entities, for the planning and development of public use airports.
The grants announced recently include nearly $41 million to the San Antonio International Airport for airfield drainage reconstruction and erosion control; $17.5 million for Abilene Regional Airport for terminal expansion and $3 million to Wilmington International Airport to expand the apron.
“As we continue strengthening our nation’s aviation infrastructure, these grants give airports the resources they need to move forward with important projects,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. “From runway and taxiway improvements to terminal upgrades and other critical infrastructure, these investments will help airports across the country maintain safe, efficient and reliable facilities.”
Since the program began the federal government has awarded more than $100 billion, including distributing more than $90 billion across approximately 65,500 grants between 1982 and 2022.