FAA Awards Nearly $1B in Airport Terminal Modernization Grants
Funding will go for projects such as new baggage systems, security checkpoints, and increased airport gate capacity.
The grants, which total $970 million, are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be awarded to 125 airports in 46 states, Guam, and Palau. [Credit: iStock]
The FAA announced Thursday it would be making an nearly $1 billion investment in airport terminal modernization.
The grants, which total $970 million, are funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be awarded to 125 airports in 46 states, Guam, and Palau, the FAA said. They will fund projects such as new baggage systems, security checkpoints, and increased airport gate capacity, the agency said.
"We’re working to ensure passengers’ safety, comfort, and convenience throughout their airport journey,” Shannetta Griffin, FAA associate administrator for airports, said in a statement. "[This] investment also builds communities by providing good-paying jobs and infusing dollars in local economies."
FAA said projects funded through the latest round of grants include:
- $40 million to Tampa International Airport (KTPA) in Florida to connect Terminal D to the main terminal with an automated people mover and add nine passenger boarding bridges to move passengers through more efficiently.
- $15 million to Denver International Airport (KDEN) to reconstruct the baggage handling system including the oversized baggage lift replacements to increase efficiency and capacity.
- $3.6 million to Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) in Iowa to construct four new terminal gates and a waiting area.
- $1.5 million to Purdue University Airport (KLAF) in Lafayette, Indiana, to replace an 80-year-old terminal and meet Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements.
- $1 million to Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (PASI) in Alaska for the remodel and expansion of the existing terminal building that includes a passenger waiting area.
- $33.2 million to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) in Texas to fund a portion of the new Midfield Terminal B construction project, which will add at least 20 new gates to accommodate increased airline operations and competition. This grant will fund a portion of Phase 2, which includes the construction of a 518-foot underground tunnel to connect the new terminal to the existing terminal.
- $15 million to Salt Lake City International Airport (KSLC) to fund Phase 4 of the Airport Redevelopment Program for construction of approximately 16 new gates as part of the Concourse B expansion to increase capacity and access for new entrants.
- $10 million to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN) in Montana to fund a portion of the terminal reconstruction and expansion project, including the checkpoint lanes, baggage claim, and approximately three gate areas to increase energy efficiency and capacity.
- $13.5 million to General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (KPIA) in Illinois to fund the tower shaft and equipment to replace the 65-year-old sponsor-owned and FAA-staffed airport traffic control tower (ATCT).
- $13 million to Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) in Oklahoma to replace an FAA-operated ATCT, improve visibility, and enhance ADA access.
- $7 million to Shreveport Regional Airport (KSHV) in Louisiana to move and rebuild an FAA-operated ATCT and improve visibility. The project includes construction of an access road, associated utilities, and site preparation for tower relocation.
- $1.75 million to Griffiss International Airport (KRME) in Rome, New York, to update a 40-year-old sponsor-owned ATCT, including upgrades to the HVAC, plumbing, roof, guardrails, and windows as well as communication, fire protection, electrical, and security systems.
- $1 million to Martin State Airport (KMTN) in Middle River, Maryland, to build a new ATCT, replacing the 82-year-old sponsor-owned tower.
- $1 million to Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field (KFFC) in Georgia to fund the design of a new sponsor-owned ATCT.
“Investing in America’s airport infrastructure isn’t just about upgrading runways and terminals—it’s about growing local economies, creating jobs, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of travel,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “With the grants we’re announcing…—nearly $1 billion in total—we're helping modernize 125 airports across the country in order to make their operations safer, more accessible, and more convenient for travelers.”
An interactive map showing additional projects and how funding is being spent may be found here.
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