The 66 improvement projects will be funded exclusively by non-discretionary grant funds under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) programme. In total the infrastructure law invests $25bn over five years in US airports to modernise terminals, increase safety, expand capacity, replace equipment, and more.
“With Americans once again traveling in record numbers, we must ensure that our airports are ready to meet the demand,” said US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Thanks to President Biden, we are delivering historic funding to modernise airports across the country, creating jobs, growing local economies, and supporting passengers for years to come.”
“We are replacing and upgrading key infrastructure and equipment as quickly as possible to improve facilities for air passengers. These investments keep us on track for seamless improvements that fliers will notice in the future,” said FAA associate administrator for airports Shannetta R Griffin.
Many grants contain an element that involves improving drainage, replacing or purchasing equipment and building new terminals, towers, roads, taxi lanes, and runway signage.
Among them are approximately $3.2m to rehabilitate airport terminals, including those at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, Great Falls International Airport in Montana, and Yakima Air Terminal/McAllister Field in Washington.
Approximately $1m will be used to purchase snow removal equipment, at airports including Myers Field in Canby, Minnesota and Lewiston/Nez Perce County in Idaho. Approximately $1.8m will be used to rehabilitate towers, including those at Rafael Hernandez in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and Joplin Regional in Missouri. Just under $1m will be used to improve airport drainage and almost $70,000 to purchase aircraft fire and rescue equipment.
