Last Monday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the seventh round of Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIGs), totaling $289 million, to 129 airports across 40 states to improve the safety and efficiency of air travel. The projects are funded under the AIG program in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and are part of a total of $25 billion in funding for airport improvements, including terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements and air traffic infrastructure improvements.
“With Americans flying at record highs, the Biden-Harris Administration will continue to invest in our airports to make travel safer and more convenient for the people who use them every day.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:“This latest funding will support major improvements to our terminals, runways and baggage systems, further strengthening the Administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize our aviation infrastructure.”
In June, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Airports screened a record 2.99 million passengers in a single day.The TSA expects to screen more than 32 million people during this year’s Independence Day holiday travel season, a 5.4% increase over last year’s travel volume.
Airports that will receive new funding from the Biden-Harris Administration include:
- $66.7 million for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona: The grant will fund demolition of the site and preparation of a new 2,100-foot taxiway to accommodate more flights.
- $22.2 million to Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania: The grant will cover taxiway renovations and engineering measures to enhance runway safety.
- $30.1 million for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia: The grant will be used to rebuild the runway.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport, California: $8.2 million The grant will cover the third phase of construction of the new terminal building, which will include foundation and waterproofing works to meet design standards.
- $8.8 million for Bradley International Airport in Connecticut: The grant will help with renovations to Runway 6/24 to improve safety.
- $2.2 million to Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport in Wyoming: The grant will fund the construction of a new taxiway off Taxiway A to provide airfield access to the non-dedicated hangar development area to meet current FAA standards.
- Palm Beach International Airport, Florida, $17.2 million: The grant will cover the rehabilitation of the existing Runway 14/32 shoulder to improve safety. Additionally, the grant will cover the reconstruction of the pavement on Taxiways F and H.
- $26.6 million to Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana: The grant will fund the reconstruction of Runway 5/23 with the goal of improving safety.
- $1.3 million to Knox County Regional Airport in Maine: The grant will cover the reconstruction of taxi lanes and the Southwest General Aviation Apron.
In addition to AIG’s announcement today, the FAA has opened the application period for airports to submit projects for fiscal year 2025. Airport Terminal Program (ATP) is also funded by President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure legislation. For FY2025, ATP provides nearly $1 billion in funding for safe, sustainable, and accessible airport terminals, airport-owned airport control towers, and on-airport rail and bus projects that improve multi-modal connectivity.
“We’re seeing our investments really make a difference in communities across the country.” “This is a critical milestone for FAA and our partners in the fight against COVID-19,” said FAA Deputy Administrator for Airports Shanetta R. Griffin. “I encourage airports to use this opportunity to build modern facilities that are accessible, safe, resilient to the effects of climate change and environmentally sustainable.”
Beginning in 2022, the FAA has announced more than 300 projects that will receive ATP grants aimed at improving the passenger experience, modernizing America’s airports and improving competition in the aviation industry by helping airlines have equal access to infrastructure. To date, more than 190 terminal projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act’s ATP program are under construction, with six projects already completed.
Examples of these projects include:
- $14.4 million to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona: The project updated and expanded the existing terminal, replacing a temporary four-gate facility with a permanent five-gate facility. The new terminal facility will provide improved energy efficiency and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance for individuals with accessibility and functional needs.
- $24 million to San Diego International Airport in California: The funding supported the demolition and reconstruction of a new energy-efficient terminal facility with 19 passenger gates that will increase passenger capacity.
- Corpus Christi International Airport, Texas: $1.8 million The project modernized restrooms, nursing rooms and service animal toileting areas throughout the airport. Additionally, the project modernized the airport’s energy management system, including the installation of energy-efficient generators, HVAC and electric vehicle charging stations.
- $5 million to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport in Tennessee: The project added two new gates, one expanded gate, new restrooms, and a TSA screening lane. The added space increased passenger capacity and achieved ADA compliance.
- $219,988 to Henderson City County Airport, Kentucky: The project involved installing a new roof over the terminal building.
- $11 million for Missoula Airport in Montana: The project involved constructing the second phase of a new terminal building with energy-efficient systems, improving capacity to accommodate growing passenger demand.
In February 2024, after a fierce race, Secretary ButtigiegATP Project Selection for 2024 The total amount is approximately $1 billion. The selected projects are progressing rapidly towards implementation.
Airports are encouraged to submit project applications to be considered for the FY 2025 Airport Terminal Program as early as possible, but no later than July 31, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.Funding Opportunity Announcement It outlines the criteria that airports must meet to apply.
President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act will make historic investments in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness by rebuilding America’s roads and bridges, improving and expanding public transportation and rail, and modernizing the nation’s ports and airports. To date, the Administration has announced more than $454 billion in funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act for more than 57,000 infrastructure projects across the country, mobilizing more than $877 billion for private sector manufacturing and clean energy investment in the United States.
