The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the plans to award $264 million in airport infrastructure grants to 95 airports in 31 states across the United States as part of the an Airport Improvement Program.
“The Airport Improvement Program helps to maintain our aviation infrastructure and supports safety, capacity, security and environmental improvements,” said US Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “This is an important investment in these airports and the economic vitality of their respective communities.”
The airport grant program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, and airport signage, lighting, and marking. The grants will ensure the projects at these airports are either under construction or completed prior to the onset of the winter season.
To date this year, the US Department of Transportation announced more than 1,660 new grants to nearly 1,360 airports for a total of $3 billion. These grants will provide funds for 681 runway projects and 588 taxiway projects that are important to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s system of airports.
Airports are entitled to a certain amount of AIP funding each year, based on passenger volume. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, then the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.
Source – AeroTime
