The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a $481 million investment to improve airports across the United States. The funding will support 191 airport grants in 36 states and two U.S. territories. The money will be used for important airport projects, including runway improvements, terminal construction, taxiway work and safety upgrades. The investment is part of a wider effort to improve airport infrastructure and prepare airports for future travel demand.
$481 Million to Improve U.S. Airports
The FAA is providing the funding through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program. The program helps airports improve important infrastructure and create safer and more efficient facilities for passengers, airlines and airport workers. Projects supported by the new funding include terminal reconstruction, runway and taxiway improvements, apron rehabilitation and airport safety projects. Both major international airports and smaller regional airports will receive funding.
Total FAA airport infrastructure investment
Airport projects included in the funding package
Plus two U.S. territories receiving support
Major FAA Grants
| Airport | Funding | Main Project |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | $100 million | Runway, taxiway, terminal and runway safety improvements |
| Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport | $32.5 million | Terminal reconstruction |
| San Diego International Airport | $30.3 million | Terminal construction |
| Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport | $14.2 million | Taxiway construction and rehabilitation |
| El Paso International Airport | $8.7 million | Apron rehabilitation |
Atlanta Airport Receives $100 Million
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will receive one of the largest grants in the new funding package. The airport will receive $100 million for several major infrastructure projects.
Airfield Improvements
The funding will support runway and taxiway improvements and work on runway safety areas.
Terminal Reconstruction
Part of the $100 million package will also support important terminal infrastructure work.
Louisville Airport Gets $32.5 Million
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky will receive $32.5 million. The funding will be used to reconstruct parts of the airport terminal.
Terminal Reconstruction
$32.5 MillionTerminal improvements can help airports create more modern facilities and provide a better experience for passengers as travel demand changes.
San Diego Airport Receives $30.3 Million
San Diego International Airport in California is another major airport receiving new federal funding. The airport will receive $30.3 million for terminal construction.
Taxiway Improvements Planned in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Wisconsin will receive $14.2 million. The money will support taxiway construction and rehabilitation.
El Paso Airport to Improve Its Apron
El Paso International Airport in Texas will receive $8.7 million to rehabilitate its apron.
What Is an Airport Apron?
The apron is the area where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded and prepared for flights. Keeping these areas in good condition is important for safe ground operations and efficient airport services.
Smaller Airports Are Also Included
The new investment is not limited to large commercial airports. General aviation airports in Wisconsin will receive a combined $2.5 million for several infrastructure projects.
Airfield Improvements
Runway Rehabilitation
Improvements to maintain safe and reliable runway operations.
Taxiway Rehabilitation
Upgrades to aircraft movement areas at smaller airports.
Airport Facilities
Terminal Reconstruction
Improvements to passenger and airport facilities.
Snow-Removal Facilities
Buildings used to support important winter airport operations.
Airport Safety Is a Major Focus
Safety is one of the main goals of the $481 million investment. Many of the projects focus on runways, taxiways and other areas that are important for aircraft operations.
Investment Comes During Busy Travel Period
The announcement comes ahead of the Labor Day travel period, when airports across the United States are preparing for high passenger numbers.
Higher Passenger Volumes
Busy travel periods place more pressure on terminals and passenger facilities.
More Airfield Demand
Runways and taxiways need to support more aircraft movements during busy periods.
Long-Term Planning
Airports need modern infrastructure to prepare for future travel demand and continued growth.
FAA Continues Investing in Airport Infrastructure
The latest $481 million funding package is part of continued federal investment in U.S. aviation infrastructure. Through 191 grants, airports across 36 states and two territories will be able to move forward with projects ranging from major terminal construction to runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
Major Airports
Atlanta, San Diego and Louisville will receive millions of dollars for large infrastructure projects.
Regional Airports
Smaller airports will also receive funding for essential runways, taxiways, terminals and support facilities.
