U.S. airports receive FAA funding to tackle winter weather

As winter approaches, 85 airports in 28 states will be better prepared to keep airport operations running safely and smoothly. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $76.2 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 for snowplows, de-icing equipment, and new or upgraded buildings to store this equipment.

“We can’t let winter weather stop aircraft from safely landing and taking off. This funding will help keep airports operating this winter and get passengers and cargo to their work, families and vacations safely,” said Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E.

Approximately $46.2 million will be used to purchase snow removal equipment, such as:

• $3,667,964 to Rickenbacker International (LCK) in Columbus, Ohio
• $3,152,552 to Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage, Alaska
• $607,500 to Ford Airport (IMT) in Iron Mountain, Michigan
• $2,350,167 to Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI) in Seattle, Washington

An additional $13.6 million is to develop de-icing facilities, including:

• $9,776,486 to Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey to construct a de-icing containment facility.
• $3,301,240 Great Falls International Airport (GTF) in Great Falls, Montana to construct a de-icing pad.
• $277,777 to Williston Basin International Airport (XWA) in Williston, North Dakota to construct a de-icing pad.

The final $16.4 million will construct and renovate buildings that house and maintain snow removal equipment, including:

• $4,569,500 to Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) in Lewisburg, West Virginia
• $2,694,567 to Bellingham International Airport (BLI) in Bellingham, Washington
• $2,189,414 to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) in Brainerd, Minnesota
• $936,625 to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) in Mammoth Lake, California.

The funding is from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Programme. The programme pays for a variety of projects including construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield elements such as lighting or signage, and the purchase of equipment needed to operate and maintain airports.