Facilities Taking 'Innovative Steps' To Reduce Environmental Impact

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced $5.4 million in FAA grants for 13 airports nationwide that are taking innovative steps to reduce their impact on the environment. “We support our nation’s airports in their efforts to protect the environment in the communities they serve,” said Secretary LaHood. “These grants will help airports to operate more efficiently and be more environmentally friendly.”

Across the country, airports can improve sustainability in a number of ways including reducing noise in the surrounding communities and improving water and air quality. Funding through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) enables airports to study, plan and develop sustainability initiatives to be incorporated into existing and future airport projects. Some of the sustainable initiatives include reducing energy consumption through the use of alternative fuels for vehicles, installing light sensors to automatically turn off lights and reduce energy use, using environmentally friendly “green” products at airport facilities and promoting land uses that attract businesses and industries that can benefit from being near an airport.

“Airport sponsors want to protect the environment and serve the traveling public while maintaining a high level of safety,” said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “These grants will help us achieve these objectives.”

Airports selected for sustainability planning dollars includes:

• Bert Mooney (Butte, MT) $247,500
• Colorado State Airports (CO) $500,000
• Dallas/Fort Worth International (TX) $600,000
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FL) $356,250
• Gulfport-Biloxi International (MS) $135,000
• James M. Cox Dayton International (OH) $315,000
• Logan International (MA) $750,000
• Monterey (CA) $189,930
• Northwest Arkansas Regional (AR) $270,000
• Salt Lake City International (UT) $500,000
• Seattle-Tacoma International (WA) $750,000
• Tampa International (FL) $607,500
• University Park (PA) $217,800

The grants will enable airports to incorporate sustainability strategies into their master planning process.

(Pictured: DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, FAA acting Administrator Michael Huerta)

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.faa.gov