The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $970 million to 114 American airports as part of President Biden¡¯s Bipartisan Investing in America program, which should help the airports modernize and improve accessibility and sustainability.?

The grants were awarded to a number of programs, including those that involve creating new baggage systems, expanding security checkpoints, increasing gate capacity and modernizing infrastructure. Nine of the grants will address aging traffic control towers.?

¡°Under this administration, we are doing more to improve the travel experience than ever before, from expanding consumer protections to modernizing the physical infrastructure,¡± said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. ¡°These investments we¡¯re announcing today, made possible by President Biden¡¯s historic infrastructure package, will make it easier for passengers to get to and through airports, create jobs, and increase safety for all.¡±

Back in December 2023, the Investing in America program awarded $8.2 billion to ten major passenger rail programs across the nation, as a way to improve accessibility, sustainability and create jobs.

New & Expanded Terminals

Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia received a $35 million grant to construct a 14-date, 400,000-square-foot terminal. Salt Lake City International Airport received $20 million for the Concourse B terminal expansion, which will include sixteen gates. Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, received $10 million for the renovation and expansion of its terminal, including improving accessibility.?

Improving the Passenger Experience

Grants that improve the passenger experience could fund projects like expanding or improving security screening areas, modernizing baggage systems and increasing accessibility for travelers with disabilities.?

Chicago O¡¯Hare International Airport was awarded $40 million to improve Terminal 3, with improvements such as reconfiguring the TSA checkpoint, creating a new ADA and family restroom and updating the baggage system. Denver International Airport received $26.6 million to replace its baggage handling system and improve energy efficiency. Kahului Airport in Hawai¡¯i received $8.6 million to build a new two-story security screening checkpoint, with six new TSA lanes.?

Access to Transport and Improving Roadways

Los Angeles International Airport received $31 million to improve surrounding roadways, including underground Low Impact Development stormwater containment systems. Eight million was awarded to Southwest Florida International Airport to expand terminal access and curbside roadways. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport received $7 million to help construct the North/South Connector Road¡¯s north phase.?

Air Traffic Control Tower Upgrades?

Duluth International Airport in Minnesota received $10 million to relocate the airport-owned traffic control tower, which was commissioned in 1963. Martin State Airport in Middle River, Maryland, received $5.4 million to partially fund a new air traffic control tower. Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas, received $4.5 million to partially fund a new control tower that will replace one with sight impediments, ADA noncompliance issues and structural integrity issues.

Sustainability Upgrades

San Francisco International Airport received $31 million to replace mechanical and electrical components of the HVAC system at the International Terminal. Charlotte Douglas International Airport received $27 million to replace up to sixteen passenger boarding bridges, among other improvements. Appleton International Airport received $3.4 million for its Expansion and Modernization Project, adding four new gates and creating a solar and sustainability program.

Improving Access to Airports in Smaller Communities

Punta Gorda Airport in Florida received $10 million to fund a part of its terminal rehabilitation and expansion project. Presque Isle International Airport in Maine received $6.5 million to replace its undersized terminal with a more energy-efficient and ADA-compliant terminal. Standing Rock Airport in Fort Yates, North Dakota, received $700,000 to construct a new general aviation terminal building.

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