U.S. Airports Boost Infrastructure with $148.3 Million Federal Grant
In a significant boost to the nation's airport infrastructure, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has announced the allocation of $148.3 million for 73 airport-related projects across 28 states and Guam. This investment, sourced from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, marks a concerted effort to enhance safety, efficiency, and modernize American aviation facilities for future generations.
This funding initiative is part of the larger $15 billion AIG program, earmarked to support airport infrastructure over five years, with $3 billion available annually. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the move as a testament to the administration's dedication to revitalizing America's aviation system, ensuring it remains safe and efficient for years to come. Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, emphasized the grants' role in sustaining and upgrading crucial infrastructure to maintain the world's safest and most efficient airport system.
Among the noteworthy projects benefiting from this funding are the expansion of the Terminal C apron at Orlando International Airport, with a significant $61.9 million investment to accommodate increased usage of its facilities. General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston is set to rehabilitate taxiway pavement and enhance lighting systems with a $22.1 million grant. Other projects include the construction of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting building at Dallas Love Field and a cargo apron at Rhode Island T.F. Green International in Warwick, among numerous others across the country.
This financial injection into airport infrastructure is part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to make historic investments in the U.S. across various sectors including roads, bridges, public transit, and airports. The Administration has already earmarked over $448 billion for more than 51,000 infrastructure projects nationwide, leveraging an additional $685 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments.
As these projects unfold, they promise not only to enhance the immediate functionality and safety of the airports but also to fortify the backbone of American aviation infrastructure against the challenges of the future. This initiative represents a pivotal moment in ensuring the enduring strength and resilience of the nation's transportation network, facilitating growth, and improving the travel experience for millions of Americans.