The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded US$660m in airport infrastructure grants as part of a US$3.18bn Airport Improvement Program (AIP) for airports across the USA.
This second increment of funding provides 450 grants that will fund 664 infrastructure projects including runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, snow removal equipment, and aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles.
Elaine L Chao, secretary, US Department of Transportation (DOT), said, “Our airports are essential in supporting US$1.6tn in total economic activity and nearly 11 million jobs. These federal grants will help our airports to maintain safety and improve efficiency for freight and passengers.”
Airports receive AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding. These funds are made available from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
Among the grant awards announced are:
Lafayette Regional Airport, Louisiana – US$11.8m grant will fund the second phase of a five-phase terminal project.
Minneapolis St Paul International Airport, Minnesota – the airport will use the US$5.8m grant to replace existing Taxiway S pavement and install runway lighting and sensors.
Sloulin Field International Airport in Williston, North Dakota – US$14.2m grant will help with the fifth phase of a project to construct a new airport.
Laredo International Airport in Laredo, Texas – US$3.6m fund to repair the apron.
Robert Gray Army Airfield in Killeen, Texas – US$6.2m funds will be used to replace four passenger boarding bridges at the terminal building.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia – US$11.5m grant will be used to construct a deicing pad for aircraft and repair an apron.