FAA to shell out $527.8m in grants to airports

June 5, 2017

The US Department of Transportation has announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $527.8 million in airport infrastructure grants to 584 gateways across the US as part of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

Among them are $60 million to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The first grant will allow construction phase of Runway 9C/27C to begin. The runway is expected to be commissioned in 2020.

Huntsville International-Carl T. Jones Field Airport will get $5.5 million – which will fund the construction of a new parallel Taxiway C to enhance safety by reducing mid-field runway crossings by cargo aircraft.

Salt Lake City International Airport will receive $7.3 million – allowing the airport to renovate Runway 14/32 and the runway lighting associated with that runway.

Secretary Elaine L. Chao, says: “The Airport Improvement Program helps to maintain our aviation infrastructure and supports safety, capacity, security and environmental improvements.”

FAA administrator, Michael P. Huerta explains: “Investing in our airport infrastructure ensures the safe and efficient operation of our air transportation system. This funding program helps us maintain, renovate, and build airport infrastructure at airports.”

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.