U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $770.8 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.
This third increment of funding provides 569 grants to 522 airports that will fund 949 infrastructure projects; including runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, and snow removal equipment.
“These critical investments will support upgrading and modernizing airports across the country, which will enhance safety, improve the travel experience and strengthen local economies,” said Secretary Chao.
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. Under the Secretary’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments to strengthen the safety and efficiency of America’s airports.
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:
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Irving, TX, $31 million – the grant funds will be used for the rehabilitation of Runway 17-C. Construction on 17-C is scheduled to be complete in 2019.
White Mountain Airport in White Mountain, AK, $4.7 million – grant funds will be used to repair Runway 15/33 lighting, the apron where the aircraft park, and the taxiway.
Ontario International Airport in Ontario, CA, $8.7 million – funds will be used to repair the Terminal 1 apron and the south cargo apron.
Augusta Regional at Bush Field in Augusta, GA, $14.3 million – the grant will fund the repair of the air carrier and general aviation apron.
Ottumwa Regional Airport in Ottumwa, IA, $6.4 million – to repair Runway 13/31.
Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, KY, $10.1 million – funds will be used to construct the federal portion of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting building.
Bangor International Airport in Bangor, ME, $6.4 million – the aircraft sponsor will reconstruct Taxiway A with grant funds.
Columbia Regional Airport in Columbia, MO, $4.1 million – the airport sponsor will use the funds to repair a portion of Runway 2/20.
Lincoln Airport in Lincoln, NE, $7 million – the funds will be used to repair a portion of Runway 17/35 and the runway lighting.
Tulsa International Airport in Tulsa, OK, $12.3 million – the grant will repair a portion of Taxiway J.
Corvallis Municipal Airport in Corvallis, OR, $7.6 million – the funding will be used to reconstruct portions of Runway 09/27 and Taxiway A and to repair the lighting for the runway and taxiway 09/27 and Taxiways A and B.
Grand Strand Airport in N. Myrtle Beach, SC, $6.6 million – the grant will fund the repair of Runway 05/23.
Tyler Pounds Regional in Tyler, TX, $8 million – funds will be used to reconstruct Taxiway F.
Blue Ridge Airport in Spencer, VA, $5.4 million – funds will be used to reconstruct Runway 12/30.
Pullman/Moscow in Pullman, WA, $16 million – the funds will be used to realign a portion of Runway 6/12.
A complete listing of grants is available on the website.
