US airports to get record upgrade funding
01 August 2024
by Jonathan Andrews
New funding worth US$427 million will be awarded to 245 airport-related infrastructure grants across the US. This will include airport terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and air traffic infrastructure improvements.
The projects are funded under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) programme, part of the US$25 billion total included in the law for airport improvements.
“Americans are flying in record numbers this summer, and the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to invest in our nation’s airports to make travel more convenient for passengers,” said Pete Buttigieg, US Transportation Secretary. “The funding we’re announcing, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help airports across the country make needed improvements to ensure safety and efficiency now and for years to come.”
Some of the select airports to receive funding include:
- US$29.4 million to John Glenn Columbus International Airport for the construction of a new terminal tarmac and taxiway.
- US$10.6 million to El Paso International Airport for the construction of a new general aviation (GA) apron as well as to rehabilitate the existing GA apron pavement to improve efficiency.
- US$24.9 million to Southwest Florida International Airport to fund the construction of a new taxiway and the expansion of a concourse apron to accommodate more passengers.
- US$13.6 million to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to replace passenger boarding bridges to improve efficiency of passenger movement throughout the airport.
- US$6 million to Glacier Park International to expand the existing terminal to include gates, ticketing and kiosk areas, security check points and passenger holding rooms to accommodate more passengers.
“Today’s investment is the second largest in AIG history,” said Shannetta R. Griffin, Associate Administrator for Airports at the Federal Aviation Administration. “We’re supporting safety with lighting and runway signage upgrades and improving the traveller experience with new terminals.”
Image: Emre Ucarer | Dreamstime.com
