WASHINGTON D.C. — The Department of Transportation [DOT] announced that it will be awarding over $1.2 billion in infrastructure grants for over 400 airports across the United States and its territories through the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA].
The grants will be used to improve “critical infrastructure projects” such as building or repairing runways , updating lighting and signage, and improving safety procedures and equipment.
“This $1.2 billion federal investment will improve our nation’s airport infrastructure, enhance safety, and strengthen growth in local communities, which is especially important as the economy recovers from COVID-19,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao in the announcement on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
$1 billion comes from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program [AIP], as well as an additional $152 million in COVID-19 relief, the DOT said.
“The 434 AIP grants will fund critical airport infrastructure projects around the country,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson in the press release.
The grant will support 405 airports in all 50 states, according to a release from DOT. Since 2017, airports have received $13.5 billion in federal grants for infrastructure improvement projects, as well as $10 billion in COVID-19 relief assistance.
To see a map from the FAA of all airports receiving grant monies, visit https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/2020_aip_grants/map/.
