Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is one of the country’s busiest. (File photo)
The FAA is awarding $677 million in infrastructure grants to airports around the country, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao confirmed, as the first part of $3.18 billion in funding under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).
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.
“If you want a strong transportation system, you have to invest in airport infrastructure,” Chao said. “Airports are the backbone of aviation. These communities are going to reap greater safety, efficiency and economic dividends for years to come.”
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.
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.
Some of the grants awards include:
King Salmon Airport in King Salmon, Alaska, $12.8 million – The funds will be used to repair the runway and taxiway. The project is important to the local community who mainly use air transportation as their form of travel moving people and goods and services.
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers in Arkansas, $13.6 million – Funds will be used to repair a taxiway.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, $7.2 million – Grant funds will be used to reconstruct the airport apron.
San Diego International Airport in San Diego, California, $12.1 million – Grants will fund the repair of the taxiway.
Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado, $ 14.2 million – Several grants will fund projects to repair runways, taxiways, and runway and taxiway lighting.
Chicago Rockford International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, $3.1 million – Grant funds will expand the cargo facility at this airport helping move goods across the country.
Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, $5.8 million – The funds will be used to repair the taxiway.
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, $12.6 million – The grant will be used to expand the airport apron.
Salt Lake City International Airport in Salt Lake City, Utah, $16.3 million – Funds will be used to repair the apron area on the airport where aircraft park.