The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will allocate $970 million in funds to U.S. airports across 44 states and three territories, a move supported by the Bipartisan Investing in America agenda.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasized in a news release that alleviating travel concerns is a key priority for the Biden administration. The allocated funds are expected to improve air travel times and will be used to refurbish aging infrastructure throughout terminals and ground transportation. Enhancements are planned for passenger experience, including new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints, increased accessibility for passengers with disabilities, and improved gate capacity.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, "Under this administration, we are doing more to improve the travel experience than ever before, from expanding consumer protections to modernizing the physical infrastructure." He added that the investments announced would facilitate passengers' journey through airports, create jobs, and enhance safety.
The DOT's news release also highlighted plans to upgrade dated air traffic control towers with nine grants. This comes on top of $2 billion already allocated over the past two years for renovating or developing airport terminals nationwide - many of which are currently under construction.
FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin underscored the impact of these funds on modernizing airports and creating job opportunities. Griffin stated, "Today’s funding not only helps modernize airports to meet the needs of travelers today and for years to come but also creates good-paying job opportunities in communities both large and small."
According to the news release, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the Airport Terminal Program which provided this latest tranche of $970 million in funds. It will continue providing $1 billion annually for five years through program grants. This initiative aims at updating America’s airport infrastructure with a total investment reaching up to $25 billion.
