The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding another $76.1 million from the previously allocated $9 billion, for 45 airport-related infrastructure projects in 22 states. The projects are funded under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program, part of the $25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements, including front-of-house projects such as terminal expansions and baggage system upgrades.
“Millions of Americans fly every day, and it’s important that our nation’s airports be equipped to handle such a volume of passengers,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He said the grants will make improvements to ensure passengers move safely and efficiently through U.S. airports.
The grants cover everything from airfield improvements to terminal expansions. Among the terminal-focused grants are $6.4 million to Colorado Springs Airport that will rehabilitate the existing terminal building to accommodate a 14,000 square foot Federal Inspection Service facility to allow passengers to clear customs more efficiently upon arrival; $3 million to Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Florida: This project funds the first phase of the terminal building rehabilitation, which consists of the installation of a new baggage system; and $8.1 million to Joe Foss Field Airport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota that will fund the design phase to expand the existing terminal building an additional 42,000 square feet to increase the airport’s capacity to meet the operational needs of the airport. Additionally, the project rehabilitates 24,600 square feet of the existing terminal building to meet design standards.
The funding comes from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To date, nearly $9 billion of the $15 million total of AIG funding has been made available to airports across the country.
