The Federal Aviation Administration is putting $481 million into airport infrastructure improvements at airports across the United States ahead of the Labor Day travel weekend. The package covers 191 grants in 36 states and two territories, with funding directed through the Airport Infrastructure Grants programme to support safety, efficiency and the passenger experience.
The grants can be used for planning, terminal upgrades, baggage system improvements, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, roadway and access work and other safety-related projects. Airports also have flexibility to direct money towards immediate operational and capital needs during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy framed the funding as part of a wider push to modernise airport infrastructure nationwide. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford also figures in the announcement, which emphasises that the money is spread across the airport network rather than concentrated in a single region. Individual recipients include major hubs as well as general aviation facilities, giving carriers and airport operators resources for both near-term repairs and longer-term upgrades.