U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced on September 14 that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will deliver $1.1 billion through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) via 280 grants to airports in 46 states and three territories, targeting critical infrastructure upgrades, family-friendly terminal features, and installation of Vehicle Movement Area Transmitters (VMATs) on airport vehicles to enhance runway safety.
The funding highlights include $10.9 million to equip 3,000 airport vehicles with VMATs at 61 airports, helping air traffic controllers track vehicles on runways and taxiways; $42.8 million to 10 airports for noise mitigation projects; $30.7 million to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for runway reconstruction; and $18.9 million to Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) in Louisiana for terminal expansion.
Additional grants provide $11.5 million to Mankato Regional Airport (MKT) in Minnesota for a new contract tower, and $2 million to McAllen International Airport in Texas for terminal expansion including baggage claim, restrooms, nursing stations, and ticketing counters. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated the grants will allow airports to quickly deploy critical safety investments, giving controllers greater situational awareness to safely manage an increasingly complex National Airspace System.
The release notes that thanks to President Trump and Congressional Republicans' passage of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, the FAA received $16.5 million to equip all FAA airport vehicles with VMATs. Beyond federal grants, airports can also use AIP funding for runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, markings, and other safety-related infrastructure needs.
The FAA published a data visualization of airports receiving funding. The record investment aims to usher in a "Golden Age of Travel" by upgrading airport infrastructure, enhancing runway safety, and expanding family-friendly features in terminals nationwide.
