FAA Grants Millions to Airports

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES MILLIONS IN INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS TO AIRPORTS

On July 6, 2017, DOT announced that it was awarding millions, in two separate grants, to airports under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). One grant in the amount of $230 million awarded to 104 airports across the United States and the other in the amount of $105.3 million to 133 airports for airport infrastructure.

Background. The airport grant program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, and airport signage, lighting, and markings which also help contribute greatly to the job economy. Airports are entitled to a certain amount of AIP funding each year, based on passenger volume. The FAA provides supplemental funding to airports whose project needs exceed their available entitlement funds.

Purpose. Currently, FAA is providing discretionary funding to five airports based on their high-priority project needs: Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, CA ($11 Million); Sioux County Regional Airport in Sioux Center, IA ($4.7 Million); Orange County Airport in Montgomery, NY ($14.6 million); John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, OH ($533,000); and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Avoca, PA ($5.4 million).

The FAA will issue AIP grants to the airports over the next several weeks in time to take advantage of the spring and summer construction season. The grants will ensure the projects at these airports are either under construction or completed prior to the onset of the winter season.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.

* * * * *

McBreen & Kopko’s Aviation Group represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), airport managers, aviation service providers, and business aircraft owners and operators on a wide range of aviation issues including regulatory matters, commercial transactions, aircraft finance matters, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.