U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a $615 million investment to fund 238 grants through the Airport Improvement Program across 42 states and two territories. The federal funding initiative from the U.S. Department of Transportation is designed to modernize and reinforce infrastructure at airports nationwide, supporting critical airfield safety upgrades, runway and taxiway rehabilitation, and terminal facility improvements for passengers.
Under the announced grant distribution, federal funding targets specific infrastructure and operational needs at airports of varying sizes nationwide. Key major project allocations include $21.5 million awarded to Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas for runway rehabilitation, $19.5 million allocated to construct a new airport in Noatak, Alaska, and $15.3 million provided to San Diego International Airport for noise mitigation projects.
Additional high-priority grant awards detailed by the agency include $8.3 million to Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) in Indiana to construct a new contract tower and $8 million to Lynchburg Regional Airport in Virginia for a new terminal facility. Furthermore, Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina receives $6.3 million for runway extension, while Sacramento International Airport in California is awarded $2.4 million for new passenger boarding bridges.
According to the agency, airports can utilize Airport Improvement Program funding for infrastructure projects including runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, markings, and other safety-related airfield needs. Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized that upgrading airport infrastructure helps deliver a safer and smoother travel experience, while Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that prioritizing these grants supports growing travel volumes and transforms the overall passenger journey.
