The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award more than US$627.7 million in infrastructure and safety projects through the FY2021 Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
AIP projects promote safety, efficiency, environmental stewardship, infrastructure, and security at the nation’s airports. The grant announcement includes 449 grants to 390 airports in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Examples of projects receiving grants include:
Newtok Airport in Newtok, Alaska, over US$21.1 million – For construction of a new replacement airport in Newtok, Alaska. The project is critical to the airport and to the village of Newtok, which is home to an Alaska Native community of 374 residents. The airport and the community will relocate to higher ground because the ground surrounding the airport and village is eroding. The residents depend solely on aviation to transport people, goods, mail, medicine and other essential services. The replacement airport project and the relocation of village residents is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Willow Run, Detroit, Michigan, over US$15.8 million – For shifting and re-configuring the existing runway. This project will create jobs and continue to improve the safety and efficiency of the airport, which is important for cargo companies that support the auto industry.
Salt Lake City International, Utah, over US$19.7 million – For constructing an apron and taxi lanes as part of a large scale, multi-year terminal redevelopment program. Including this grant, approximately US$95 million in AIP funds have been spent on the project. The project has supported thousands of jobs since it began in 2014. This funding will help the airport become more green and sustainable—the expectation is that SLC will attain LEED Gold Certification upon completion of the project.
Sawyer International, Gwinn, Michigan, over US$4.6 million – To construct, improve, and rehabilitate the expanded hangar building. This grant is provided under the Military Airport Program, which provides grant funding to assist in transforming prior military airports and facilities for public use. This project will create jobs and help to ensure the sustainability of regional airline service for the local community.
Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, over US$19.5 million – For reconstruction of Runway 08/26. This project is critical because poor pavement conditions have reduced the payload capacity of aircraft using the runway by 25%. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional, Gunnison, Colorado, over US$1 million – To expand and improve the terminal to allow the airport to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Historically, the AIP grant program receives approximately US$3.2 billion in Congressional funding each year. The FAA will award more than 1,500 grants this year.
