Biden-Harris Administration Allocates Nearly $187 Million to Modernize Airports in U.S.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a new round of funding for 90 airport-related infrastructure grants across 34 states. These projects are part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, which includes $25 billion for airport improvements such as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, and runway safety enhancements.
“Millions of people fly every day, and making sure passengers can get to and from their destinations safely, and with less stress, has been a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The funding we’re announcing today will help 91 airports make critical upgrades to improve travel and further modernize our aviation infrastructure.”
“These grants not only invest in the physical infrastructure of our airports, but also in strengthening safety and improving efficiency for travelers, and help the economy thrive,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E.
Airports receiving funding today, for a total of $186.7 million, include:
– **Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan:** $61.8 million to rehabilitate an existing on-airport roadway, providing a safe path for aircraft rescue firefighting trucks, airport vehicles, and ground service equipment.
– **San Diego International Airport, California:** $23.5 million for constructing a new 1,210,000-square-foot terminal building with 30 gates.
– **Kodiak Airport, Alaska:** $19.7 million to reconstruct Taxiway F pavement to meet FAA design standards and improve safety.
– **Pittsburgh International Airport, Pennsylvania:** $20.5 million for the reconstruction of the existing terminal building to enhance passenger and baggage movement, increase energy efficiency, and replace aging infrastructure.
– **Portland International Jetport, Maine:** $8.1 million to rehabilitate a portion of Taxiway A pavement and install taxiway lighting for improved safety.
– **Tucson International Airport, Arizona:** $6.1 million to reconstruct and shift Runway 11R/29L for better separation from Runway 11L/29R.
– **Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Michigan:** $4.5 million to expand the existing snow removal equipment building by 37,317 square feet.
– **Bellingham International Airport, Washington:** $4.5 million to reconstruct 19 airfield guidance sign fixtures to meet FAA standards and enhance safety.
– **Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, Alabama:** $4 million for crack repair and joint filling on the terminal apron and reconstruction of a taxiway.
– **Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field Airport, Colorado:** $3.4 million to rehabilitate the existing taxiway pavement.
– **Cedar City Regional Airport, Utah:** $2.8 million to expand the terminal by 3,650 square feet, improving passenger and baggage movement.
– **Pocatello Regional Airport, Idaho:** $2.1 million to reconstruct 29,449 square yards of the northeast apron.
– **Harry Reid International Airport, Nevada:** $1.8 million to reconstruct two baggage handling systems in Terminals 1 and 3.
– **Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Georgia:** $1 million to extend Runway 5/23 to 7,100 feet, meeting FAA design standards and enhancing safety.
This funding is part of the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, one of three aviation grant programs established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. So far, nearly $9 billion of the $15 billion total AIG funding has been allocated to airports nationwide.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law represents a historic investment in the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, rail, ports, and airports. To date, over $454 billion in funding has been announced for more than 56,000 infrastructure projects across the country, with an additional $866 billion mobilized in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments.