The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded more than $2 billion in new grants to improve airport infrastructure across the country, including millions of dollars for sustainability projects.
Specifically, the funding includes $1.9 billion in grants under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and $269 million in FY 2023 Supplemental Discretionary Grants. In addition to the sustainability upgrades, the funding will cover runway and taxiway projects, safety improvements, noise mitigation for homes near airports, and for the first time, the testing of technology to remediate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” which can contaminate air, water, and soil.
“Today, we invest in our future—enhancing safety, improving sustainability, and ensuring our infrastructure meets the needs of the traveling public,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E.
Several airports are receiving a portion of funding for sustainability projects. Examples include:
- $29.1 million to St. Louis/Lambert International Airport in Missouri: This grant funds the purchase and installation of zero-emissions equipment, including an electric sweeper and charging station. This grant also funds reconstruction of the existing Taxiway C pavement and pavement from Taxiway P to M and J to G.
- $20.4 million to Muskegon County Airport in Michigan: This grant funds the purchase and installation of zero-emissions vehicles and chargers. In addition, the grant funds shifting the Taxiway A pavement, installation of lighting to conform with current FAA standards and improve safety.
- $15.1 million to Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah: This grant funds the purchase and installation of 11 zero-emissions vehicles and four chargers. Additionally, this grant funds construction of a new terminal tarmac to bring the airport into conformity with current FAA standards.
- $10.1 million to Fort Wayne International Airport in Indiana: This grant funds the purchase of low-emission equipment including two pre-conditioned air units and two remote ground power units. This grant also funds expansion of the East terminal to accommodate more passengers and allow access to a broader fleet mix. The grant will fund shifting Taxiway C2 to enhance safety.
- $6.2 million to Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport in Michigan: This grant funds the purchase and installation of low-emission equipment including 38 electric pre-conditioned air and 38 remote ground power units.
- $3.5 million to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International in California: This grant funds the purchase and installation of 12 electric pre-conditioned air power units.
Also being announced is a $2.9 million Military Airport Program (MAP) grant for Tipton Airport in Maryland. This grant will provide funds to the military airfield for the construction of a new terminal. The MAP program provides grants for converting former military airfields to public use, which adds system capacity and reduces congestion at existing airports experiencing significant delays.
The full FAA announcement is available here.