The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding 114 airports in the United States (US) a share of nearly $1 billion to modernize terminals and improve passenger experience.
Spanning 44 states, the new funding will equip airports with faster baggage systems, increased gate capacity and larger security checkpoints as demand for air travel in the US continues to grow.
The grants were announced on February 15, 2024, by the Department of Transportation (DoT) with the funding coming from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which was passed in part to address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports.
According to the DoT, the $970 million funding will “improve passenger experience, accessibility, and sustainability while creating good-paying jobs”.
“Under this administration, we are doing more to improve the travel experience than ever before, from expanding consumer protections to modernizing the physical infrastructure,” US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, said. “These investments we’re announcing today, made possible by President Biden’s historic infrastructure package, will make it easier for passengers to get to and through airports, create jobs, and increase safety for all.”
Airport projects
Airports that will see new or expanded terminals include Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia, which will receive $35 million to contribute to the construction of a 14-gate, 400,000 sq. ft. terminal building with connections to the Aerotrain and Metrorail.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Illinois was awarded $40 million to increase the central passenger corridor width, reconfigure the TSA checkpoint, build a new hold room and update the baggage system at Terminal 3.
And $10 million was granted to Duluth International Airport (DLH) in Minnesota to fund the relocation of the airport control tower that has been in place since 1963.
“Today’s funding not only helps modernize airports to meet the needs of travelers today and for years to come but also creates good-paying job opportunities in communities both large and small,” FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, said.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The new funding announced comes on top of nearly $2 billion for airport terminals announced over the past two years by the Biden-Harris administration.
The latest funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided $25 billion to modernize airport infrastructure in the US.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was first announced with the aim to rebuild roads, bridges and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, and modernize the nation’s ports and airports.
A complete list of airports receiving funding can be found online.
