More Room For Plane Parking At DEN

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Friday its intention to give $28 million to Denver International Airport for ground capacity enhancing projects.

"This is money well spent," said Robert A. Sturgell, the FAA’s acting administrator. "It’s a boost for Denver, and it’s a boost for the entire aviation system. When you increase capacity at Denver, it pays dividends nationwide. This grant allows the city to move forward with much-needed improvement projects."

The projects include the expansion of ramps in Concourses A and C. Additional commuter aircraft parking will be constructed which will increase capacity and reduce congestion in the terminal area. The letter of intent (LOI) ensures that Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds will be set aside for the project as long as funds are available.

The LOI proposes to provide funding for the project from 2008-2013. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $59 million which is to be paid from a combination of AIP funds, airport funds and general airport revenue bonds.

This marks the third LOI for the airport since its construction in 1995. The three LOIs represent a $421 million investment in the airport.

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.flydenver.com