The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded $37 million in grants to Idaho airports through the Airport Improvement Program and will be used for airport expansion and the rehabilitation of existing facilities.
The funds were divided between passenger airports, general-aviation airports, and the Idaho Division of Aeronautics. The bulk of the funds, $28.9 million, went to passenger airports.
In addition to the federal funds, the state’s Division of Aeronautics provided $1 million. The state funds are intended to allow airport owners to meet the matching-funds obligation for federal grants and to support airports that do not qualify for federal funding.
“Idaho’s quality airport system requires regular investment,” Mike Pape, Idaho division of aeronautics administrator, said. “With that level of interest and commitment, Idaho will keep and improve a world-renowned airport system that services the citizens of Idaho to meet goals for mobility, safety, and economic opportunity.”
The largest grant, $7.8 million, was given to Idaho Falls Regional airport for the installation of guidance signs and for the reconstruction of taxiways.
The second largest grant, $7.5 million, was given to the Boise Air Terminal at Gowen Field. The terminal received $3.9 million for an improved safety area and the rehabilitation of a taxiway and $3.5 million to rehabilitate the aircraft-rescue and fire-fighting building.