Airports in 32 States to Receive Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

On January 8, the Federal Aviation Administration announced over $322 million in grants to modernize US airports. The 171 grants will be spread across 32 states through the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program.

The AIG program is a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was passed in 2022 to give out nearly $25 billion over five years for airport and ATC infrastructure upgrades. To date, almost $12 billion has been dispersed to airports nationwide through AIG funding.

The grants can be accessed for airport planning, development, and sustainability, as well as terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety measures, and noise reduction projects.

“Today, we invest in critical updates and improvements that help ensure travelers reach their destinations safely and efficiently,” expressed Shannetta Griffin, the FAA’s Associate Administrator for Airports.

The largest grant announced was $83.4 million, sent to Arizona’s Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to construct a 2,100-foot taxiway and bridge. Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) in Alaska will be receiving the second largest grant, $18.8 million, for a terminal expansion.

Other multi-million dollar grants will be going to Tallahassee International (TLH) for Taxiways B11 and B12, Hector International (FAR) to add four new gates, and Telluride Regional (TEX) to install new navigation aids along with build a new South Apron and Taxiway B3.

Previous AIG grants have already been put to work, with several projects already at or near completion. These include $2.5 million given to Jonesboro Municipal (JBR) to strengthen its Runway 5/23 in accordance with FAA design and safety standards.

“We are using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make historic investments in our nation’s airports to address a backlog of needs and accommodate growing air travel demand,” stated Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Secretary. “These investments—some already completed and many more still underway—ensure the traveling public will have safer and more accessible and efficient airports for decades to come.”

FMI: www.faa.gov/bil/airport-infrastructure