Nearly $1 Billion in Federal Funding Boosts Modernization Efforts at U.S. Airports
In a significant push towards modernizing airport infrastructure across the United States, a diverse array of airports from bustling hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Los Angeles International to smaller airports such as Mount Sterling in Kentucky and Williston in Florida have been announced as beneficiaries of a nearly $1 billion funding initiative. This federal funding, amounting to $970 million, is aimed at a wide range of projects including the enhancement of baggage systems, expansion of security checkpoints, increase in gate capacity, and the modernization of terminal infrastructure and ground transportation facilities. Additionally, part of this funding is allocated towards the modernization of aging air traffic control towers.
The grants are distributed as part of the Airport Terminal Program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, showcasing a significant investment in the nation’s aviation infrastructure to accommodate future passenger demand and stimulate job creation. FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, highlighted the initiative’s role in bolstering the aviation sector to meet upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Among the notable allocations, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida is set to receive the largest grant of $50 million. This substantial investment will support the T1-T2-T3 Terminal Connector project, aimed at enhancing post-security connectivity across all terminals. The project includes the construction of two connector walkways, extensive modifications to existing terminals, upgraded security checkpoints, a renovated baggage hall, expanded hold rooms, and additional retail spaces.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is another major recipient, with $40 million allocated for improvements to Terminal 3. These enhancements will focus on expanding the central passenger corridor, reconfiguring TSA checkpoints, and updating the baggage handling system.
Other significant grants include $35 million to Washington Dulles International Airport for a new 14-gate terminal, $20 million to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for the addition of two new gates at Terminal 2, $26.6 million to Denver International Airport for replacing its baggage handling system, and $31 million to Los Angeles International Airport for roadway improvements.
Smaller airports are also benefiting from this funding initiative. Concord Municipal Airport in New Hampshire will receive $2.5 million for a new terminal building, and Clovis Regional Airport in New Mexico is awarded $3.5 million to cover a portion of the costs for a new 26,000-square-foot terminal. Additionally, grants of $1 million and $500,000 are provided to Mount Sterling-Montgomery County Airport and Williston Municipal Airport, respectively, supporting their terminal-building projects.
This funding underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to modernizing and expanding airport facilities nationwide, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle future growth in air travel while also creating numerous employment opportunities in the process.