The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced nearly $1 billion in infrastructure funding to 99 airports in virtually every state in the nation. According to the FAA announcement today, the funds will be used to:
“…invest in new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints and improved ground transportation. Other projects increase terminal sustainability and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Several grants will address the needs of aging air traffic control towers. The investments will go to airports in 47 states and two territories.”
Diverse List of Aiport Projects
According to the FAA, air traffic is poised to reach or beat pre-pandemic levels this year, intensifying the need for improvements in key areas to help get travelers in and out of airports more quickly and improve the passenger experience. Among the many diverse projects funded are:
- $29 million to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah: The New SLC is a phased Terminal and North Concourse Redevelopment Program which replaces aging and capacity-constrained facilities. This award funds a portion of Phase 4 of the New SLC and includes 16 new gates as well as up to five permanent hardstand positions in Concourse B.
- $50 million to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill.: This award helps fund a project to rehabilitate and expand passenger access for the 60-year-old Terminal 3. This includes a reconfigured Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, improvements to the central passenger corridor, new Americans with Disability Act (ADA) compliant and family restrooms, and updates to the passenger baggage system to help get travelers in and out of O’Hare more quickly.
- $38 million to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Baltimore, Md.: This project will fund a portion of the Concourse A and B expansion project to include baggage system improvements, direct airside connection between Concourses A and B, expanded apron level operations space, larger hold rooms, new concession space and modern restrooms.
- $8 million to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, La.: This award helps fund the site preparation work and construction of a road between the north terminal and south campus parking and rental car facilities. This project will enhance safety, reduce idling and carbon emissions and connect the terminal to the future transit/passenger rail terminal to help improve access to the airport,
- $950,000 to Ashley Municipal Airport in Ashley, N.D.: This award funds a project to construct a new 500 square foot general aviation terminal building for passengers and flight crews. The terminal will include a waiting area, flight planning and restrooms.
These awards are in addition to the $1 billion for Airport terminals announced for 85 airports last year. The vast majority of those projects are under construction.
Go to the FAA’s website for a complete map and list of airport projects receiving FY2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding.