By Jordan Green
Federal Aviation Administration Announces $1.2 Billion in Airport Safety and Infrastructure Grants
Earlier this week, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants.
“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,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.
The 434 grants will go to 405 airports and will be used for various projects. Many of the major airports in the United States were on the list of grant recipients, including Philadelphia International Airport, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and San Diego International Airport.
Philadelphia International Airport received a grant of $18,377,609 which will be used to reconstruct Taxiway K and rehabilitate runway 17-35. Philadelphia International will also complete runway lighting improvements and install 12 electric Ground Support Equipment charging stations.
“The reconstruction and rehabilitation of taxiways and runways, as well as the introduction of clean technology, are critical airport infrastructure projects. We are very thankful to the FAA for providing funding for these upgrades at PHL,” said Philadelphia Division of Aviation CEO Chellie Cameron.
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, home of the UPS Worldport, received $24,093,095 in grant funding. The grant funds will be used for the reconstruction of Taxiway G, pavement rehabilitation on both parallel runways – 35R/L-17R/L – and Taxiways B, D and E as well as improvements to airfield lighting and the lighting control system. Additionally, the funds will be used to support noise mitigation efforts for residential properties near the airport.
“This is great news for Louisville’s airport,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “As the fourth busiest cargo airport in the world and second in North America – it’s vital that we continuously improve our airfield to ensure it’s ready to meet the current and future needs for both our cargo and passenger airline partners.”
San Diego international airport received an $18,023,885 grant. Its grant will be used toward the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s Quieter Home Program, aimed at sound insulating homes near the airport.
“This is wonderful news for San Diego and the Quieter Home Program,” said Kimberly Becker, Airport Authority President and CEO. “These funds provide us with the ability to help residents in the areas most impacted by aircraft noise. We thank the Federal Aviation Administration for granting the funds which will be used to sound insulate homes.”
The $1.2 billion consists of all federal funding with over $1 billion from the Airport Improvement Program and $152 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants.
Jordan focuses his writing on innovations in commercial aviation, aviation history, and other interesting topics he feels are worthy of discussion in the community.
