FAA awards $332 million in grants

The U.S. Department of Transportation is sending more than $332 million in federal grants to 171 airport modernization projects across 32 states by way of the Federal Aviation Agency using money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"We are using funds from the BIL to make historic investments in our nation's airports to address a backlog of needs and accommodate growing air travel demand," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

"These investments, some already completed and many more still underway, ensure the traveling public will have safer and more accessible and efficient airports for decades to come."

The money is filtering through the Airport Infrastructure Grants program and will be used for airport planning, development, sustainability, terminal expansions, baggage system upgrades, runway safety enhancements, and noise compatibility projects.

"Today, we invest in critical updates and improvements that help ensure travelers reach their destinations safely and efficiently," said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin.

The BIL included $25 billion over five years for airport and air traffic control infrastructure improvements with $15 billion going to runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

The airports receiving the latest round of funding range from facilities serving international flights to smaller, regional airports.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona landed $84.3 million to construct a new 2,100-foot taxiway and bridge to accommodate more aircraft operations.

Sky Harbor has been booming in traffic and announced construction of a new terminals last May. The project will be financed with a mix of passenger facility charges and bonds.

Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport in Alaska netted $18.8 millionto expand the terminal to accommodate additional passengers and to rehabilitate the snow removal equipment storage building.

Tallahassee International Airport in Florida will be using $6.7 millionfor constructing two new taxiways and installing lighting to bring the airport into conformity with current FAA design and safety standards.

Hector International Airport in North Dakota is getting $3.9 millionto expand the existing terminal to add four new gates to accommodate more passengers.

Telluride Regional Airport in Colorado is using $2.6 million toinstall new navigational aids to enhance safety while bringing new aprons and taxiways into compliance with updated design and safety standards.

The DOT also provided updates to three airport projects that already finished or nearing completion.

Jonesboro Municipal Airport in Arkansas received $2,458,000 to strengthen runways to accommodate a heavier class of aircraft and meet FAA design and safety standards.

Madisonville Regional Airport in Kentucky received $300,000 to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions by rehabilitating the runways taxiway lighting systems.

Scottsdale Airport in Arizona received $759,988 to shift a taxiway from its current airfield location to meet FAA design and safety standards.

The announcement comes on top of nearly a billion dollars' worth of airport improvements announced by DOT last October.

As the Trump administration takes over government spending questions arise about the future of BIL funding.

According to a report by Brookings, " the Biden administration still leaves the Trump administration with $294 billion to award, including $87.2 billion in competitive grantmaking, where Trump's agency staff will personally determine the winners."

During the last Congress, some lawmakers called for reauthorizing the BIL as way to further progress on the nation's infrastructure.