Airport safety and infrastructure grants in U.S. surpass $1 billion

U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine L. Chao, has announced that the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $1.187 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants.

The total includes $731 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and an additional $455 million in Supplemental Discretionary grants.

The money will be available for 100 per cent of the eligible costs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“This Federal investment of over $1 billion represents the Department’s continued commitment to the safety and efficiency of our nation’s airports for the travelling public,” said Chao.

The combined grants will fund a wide variety of projects. Some of which are purchasing aircraft rescue and fire-fighting equipment, constructing runways and taxiways, repairing runways and taxiways, installing aircraft lighting and signage, conducting airport masterplan studies and installing airport perimeter fencing.

A full listing of grants and interactive map of airports receiving funding is available on the FAA website.

“The 439 grants will ensure that airport sponsors can make the necessary improvements so their airports can operate in a safe and efficient manner for years to come,” said FAA Administrator, Stephen M. Dickson.