The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation is launching the Advanced Air Mobility Planning Grant Program to empower communities to enhance their airports and attract new businesses.
This program offers local municipalities and regional planning organizations the opportunity to develop or enhance existing comprehensive plans that leverage Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to improve transportation options, fuel economic growth, and elevate the quality of life for residents.
The NCDOT program has $1 million in grant funding available this year and agency staff are encouraging communities to apply for grants that can be used to create or update AAM-focused plans. Applications for the 2024 Advanced Air Mobility Planning Grant Program are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 8.
The plans will help communities better position themselves for future aviation opportunities and technologies. This forward-looking investment in infrastructure development supports transportation innovation and economic prosperity across the state.
“Aviation is a gateway to North Carolina’s economic growth, and this new grant program will give North Carolina communities the tools they need to leverage new technologies to enhance their local transportation ecosystems and prepare for future mobility solutions,” said Becca Gallas, NCDOT’s director of Aviation. “This program is the next step in our Advanced Mobility NC plan, allowing us to continue fostering forward-thinking planning and ensuring that North Carolina remains at the forefront of mobility innovation and continues its legacy as forever First in Flight.”
The funding can be applied to various planning initiatives, including transportation needs assessments, land-use and infrastructure planning, multimodal integration planning, feasibility studies, policy and regulation alignment and public outreach efforts to engage residents in understanding the benefits of AAM.
To learn more about the application process and eligibility, visit the Division of Aviation’s website.
