U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao has announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award US$677 million in airport infrastructure grants, the first allotment of the total US$3.2 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
The 241 grants will fund 346 infrastructure projects that include runways, taxiways, aprons, and terminals. These projects are important to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s system of airports.
“These Airport Improvement Program grants will enhance airport safety, modernize our aviation infrastructure and strengthen the economic vitality of communities throughout the country,” said Secretary Chao.
The U.S. infrastructure, and especially its 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways as an essential piece, moves 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 can get 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.
