WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $986 million in airport infrastructure grants, the fifth allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.
“This significant investment in airport improvements in Idaho will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
The following airports will receive a grant:
- Blackfoot/McCarley Field, $270,000 to purchase land for approaches
- Caldwell Industrial Airport, $630,000 to update the airport master plan study
- Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport, $716,743 to rebuild the runway lighting system
- Hailey Friedman Memorial Airport, $2,335,000 to rebuild an access road
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport, two separate grants, one for $1,548,191 to modify the terminal building and purchase snow removal equipment and a second for $1,938,822 to reconstruct the runway and build a taxiway
- Preston Airport, $300,000 to extend and rebuild the runway, install runway lighting and build a taxiway
- Priest River Municipal Airport, $394,829 to purchase an easement for approaches and remove obstructions
- Sandpoint Airport, $720,000 to purchase an easement for approaches, purchase land for approaches and purchase land for development
- Twin Falls/Joslin Field - Magic Valley Regional Airport, $748,525 to extend the taxiway
The FAA will award grants to 354 airports in 44 states and two territories Micronesia and Puerto Rico. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by these grants will enhance safety and capacity while promoting economic growth in the regions served by each airport.
Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.
Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.
