The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the allocation of $76.1 million for 45 airport-related infrastructure projects in 22 states, as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. This funding is part of the $9 billion set aside for airport improvements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these grants in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation's airports, stating, “Millions of Americans fly every day, and it’s important that our nation’s airports be equipped to handle such a volume of passengers.” FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., also highlighted the significance of the grants in enhancing safety and efficiency at airports of all sizes across the country.
Among the airports receiving funding are Colorado Springs Airport in Colorado, Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Florida, South Bend International Airport in Indiana, Easton Airport in Maryland, Bangor International in Maine, Dickinson-Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in North Dakota, Grand Forks International Airport in North Dakota, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, Joe Foss Field Airport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Friday Harbor Airport in Washington.
These projects range from terminal building rehabilitations and baggage system upgrades to runway reconstructions and safety area enhancements. For instance, the funding for Bangor International in Maine will go towards rehabilitating a significant portion of Runway 15/33 to maintain pavement integrity and minimize debris, while the funding for Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas will involve the installation of runway edge drains to protect pavement and reconstructing apron pavement to create a safer aircraft parking area.
The grants announced today are part of the broader initiative under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to revamp the nation’s infrastructure and enhance competitiveness. To date, over $9 billion of the $15 million total AIG funding has been distributed to airports nationwide. The Administration has also disclosed a substantial amount of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for various infrastructure projects across the nation, totaling over $448 billion, alongside mobilizing private sector investments exceeding $688 billion in manufacturing and clean energy sectors in the United States.