Funding is approved for the upgrade of 127 U.S. airports

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Elaine L. Chao, has announced the intent to award $779 million in supplemental funding for infrastructure grants to 127 airports in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. 

Chao said: “This supplemental funding allows us to invest in important infrastructure needs at the nation’s airports, especially those serving smaller and rural communities.”

This funding is in addition to the $3.31 billion awarded in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding during fiscal year 2018, and $205 million awarded in the first tranche of supplemental AIP funding in September 2018. The recipients of the selected grants will meet any remaining required approvals. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons and terminals.

The construction and equipment supported by this funding will increase the airports’ safety, emergency response capabilities and capacity, and could support further potential growth and development within each region.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published a Federal Register notice on the 9 July 2018, explaining the evaluation criteria and submission process. After the FAA awarded $205 million to 37 airports in 34 states in September 2018, airports in October 2018 submitted additional funding requests for grant awards in fiscal years 2019 or 2020.

Under the Secretary’s leadership, the FAA is administering the supplemental funding to strengthen the safety and efficiency of America’s airports. These investments increase the nation’s competitiveness and improve the quality of life for the travelling public. 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.