FAA Distributes $636 Million in Infrastructure Grants to U.S. Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to distribute over $636 million in grants to various airports across the U.S. and American Samoa. This funding, which marks the fourth round of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), aims to enhance airport infrastructure and supports the broader goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021.

As part of a substantial $25 billion provision from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated to terminal construction, airport infrastructure, and other improvements, these grants represent a significant federal investment in transportation infrastructure. The largest grant in this current round, amounting to nearly $37.3 million, has been awarded to the Texas State Block Grant Program, which oversees the allocation of AIP funds to Texas airports on behalf of the FAA.

Notably, New York’s Stewart International Airport in Newburgh received $24.2 million for runway rehabilitation, a critical enhancement for airfield safety. Shannetta R. Griffin, FAA associate administrator for airports, emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “This $636 million investment helps airports across the nation sustain and improve critical infrastructure to advance the safest, most efficient airport system in the world.”

Among other significant grants, Philadelphia International Airport will receive $16.3 million for runway rehabilitation, Detroit Willow Run Airport in Michigan is set to receive $15.7 million for taxiway construction, and Ellison Onizuka Kona International in Hawaii will benefit from $15 million also for runway rehabilitation.

This funding follows another substantial allocation announced in late July, which saw over $374 million in grants awarded to various U.S. airports, including Boston Logan International, Denver International, and Stillwater Regional in Oklahoma.

Highlighting the broader impact of these investments, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted, “Passengers across the country will benefit as we make airports from Rhode Island to American Samoa more modern and efficient.”

The AIP funding, which provides approximately $3.3 billion annually, is a cornerstone in the U.S. government’s commitment to maintaining and upgrading airport infrastructure to meet future demands and ensure the safety of air travel.