U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao has announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $586 million in airport infrastructure grants, as part of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
“These airport investments will create jobs in local communities, upgrade reliability, and further improve safety of air travel for the flying public,” said Secretary Chao.
This fifth increment of funding provides 217 grants to 181 airports in 39 states, and will fund 458 infrastructure projects. These include runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, snow removal equipment, and two firefighting training facilities.
Under the Secretary’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments to strengthen the safety and efficiency of America’s airports. U.S. infrastructure, especially its 3,323 airports and 5,000 paved runways, increases the country’s competitiveness and improves the traveling public’s quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs.
Airports receive a certain amount of 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.
Among the grant awards announced are:
Northwest Alabama Regional Airport in Muscle Shoals, AL, $5.6 million – the airport will use funds to repair the final phase of Runway 11/29 to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris on the runway. This grant also reconstructs 69 existing airfield guidance sign fixtures.
Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai, AK, $10.6 million – this grant funds the upgrade of the terminal building to enhance the movement of passengers, baggage, and cargo.
Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, CA, $20.8 million– the grant funds the second phase and reconstructs 16,000 feet of Taxiway A and B pavements that have reached the end of their useful lives.
Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, IL, $12.6 million – the airport will use funds to repair multiple taxiway lighting systems and runway lighting system and guard lights. This grant also reconstructs 30,400 square yards of apron pavements.
Louisville International-Standiford Field Airport in Louisville, KY, $21.9 million– this grant funds multiple projects to include repairs to runway and taxiway pavements and lighting systems, aprons and concrete shoulders, and airfield guidance sign fixtures.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, LA, $20.3 million – the airport will use funds to expand the existing terminal apron to 54,675 square yards to accommodate increased aircraft operations.
Shreveport Regional Airport in Shreveport, LA, $9.1 million – this grant funds the final construction phase to extend Runway 6/24 by 800 feet to meet the operational needs of the airport.
Madras Municipal Airport in Madras, OR, $2.9 million – the airport will use funds to construct the final phase of the parallel taxiway pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, PA, $18.2 million – funds will be used to repair multiple taxiway pavements. This project also will fund repairs to apron pavements and multiple taxiway lighting systems to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions.
Myrtle Beach International Airport in Myrtle Beach, SC, $14.0 million – this project funds the reconstruction of 14,000 feet of the existing taxiway pavement and the second phase of repairs to multiple taxiways.
Nashville International Airport in Nashville, TN, $4.3 million – the airport will use the grant to repair 2,100 feet of Taxiway L East pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
Valley International Airport in Harlingen, TX, $7.6 million – this grant reconstructs 77,000 square yards of the general aviation apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.
A complete listing of grants (PDF) is available on the FAA website.
