Finding Grants For Airports: A Comprehensive Guide

Grants for airports are available from the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has awarded grants to airports across the US and Puerto Rico to improve and modernise airport infrastructure. The FAA provides resources for airports seeking CARES Act grants, which can be used for any purpose for which airport revenues may be lawfully used. The FAA has published frequently asked questions about CARES Act funding, which includes information on how airport officials should apply for grant funds.

FAA grants

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers grants for airports to improve safety and efficiency. The FAA has announced more than $332 million for 171 grants across 32 states, with $20.5 million for 25 grants across 14 states and Puerto Rico to modernise airports under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. The FAA also offers the Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants Program, which supports the recruitment of aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft systems operators through education, outreach, recruitment, and military career transition. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants Program supports the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance workforce. The FAA also provides resources for airports seeking CARES Act grants, which may be used for any purpose for which airport revenues may be lawfully used. The FAA has published frequently asked questions about CARES Act funding and notes that airport officials should apply for grant funds using an application form specifically designed for the program. The FAA also offers the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which supports planning and capital projects for more than 3,300 public-use and rural airports.

CARES Act grants

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded grants to airports across the US. The FAA has published guidance for airport administrators seeking CARES Act grants, which are available for any purpose for which airport revenues may be lawfully used. The FAA has also published a map of the airports and their grant awards. The CARES Act grants are allocated based on airports' categories in the most recent National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report. Airport officials should apply for grant funds using an application form specifically designed for the program. The FAA will provide a simplified grant agreement shortly after receiving an application. The FAA grant money is eligible for investment in things like runways, terminals, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, airport transit connections, and roadway projects. The FAA has also awarded grants under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program to modernize airports.

Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG)

In recent years, the FAA has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing airport infrastructure by allocating significant funding through the AIG program. In one instance, the FAA announced $20.5 million in grants across 14 states and Puerto Rico, specifically aimed at modernising airports. This funding is part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which recognises the importance of investing in airport improvements.

The FAA's grants are not limited to a specific type of airport and are open to a wide range of applicants. The allocation of grant awards is based on the airports' categories outlined in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report. This ensures that a diverse range of airports, including non-hub and nonprimary airports, have the opportunity to access funding.

The funds provided by the AIG program can be utilised for a variety of airport enhancements. These include improvements to runways, terminals, and taxiways, as well as safety and sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the grants can support airport transit connections and roadway projects, benefiting travellers by providing seamless travel experiences.

To apply for Airport Infrastructure Grants, airport officials need to submit a specific application form designed for the program. The FAA has also provided valuable resources and guidance for airport administrators, making the grant-seeking process more accessible. This includes publishing FAQs related to CARES Act funding, which addresses common questions regarding formulas and calculations used for grant allocations.

FAA funding for airport traffic control towers

The FAA has provided grants to airports for a variety of purposes, including runway, terminal and taxiway improvements, safety and sustainability projects, and airport transit connections. The FAA has also provided grants to airports under the CARES Act, which may be used for any purpose for which airport revenues may be lawfully used.

The FAA has also provided funding for airport traffic control towers. In 2022, the FAA announced $20 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to modernize 29 airport-owned traffic control towers across the US. The funding will be used to upgrade and build control towers in small towns and at regional airports. The FAA Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program provides $100 million and up to $600 million to modernize airport traffic control towers. This funding will allow airports to sustain, construct, repair, improve, rehabilitate, modernize, replace, or relocate non-approach control towers.

FAA grant money for runways, terminals, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, airport transit connections, and roadway projects

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides $15 billion for airport-related projects as defined under the existing Airport Improvement Grant and Passenger Facility Charge criteria. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made $2.89 billion available to U.S. airports, which can be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport transit connections and roadway projects.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a further $15 billion for airport-related projects, with $2.89 billion being awarded to 3,075 airports across the nation. This funding can also be invested in runways, taxiways, safety and sustainability projects, as well as terminal, airport-transit connections and roadway projects.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is another airport grant program that funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings. Airports are entitled to a certain amount of AIP funding each year, based on passenger volume. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, then the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

Several airports have already received a portion of funding for sustainability-related projects. For example, St. Louis/Lambert International Airport in Missouri received $29.1 million to reconstruct existing taxiway pavement and purchase and install zero-emissions equipment, including an electric sweeper and charging station. Muskegon County Airport in Michigan was awarded $20.4 million to purchase and install zero-emissions vehicles and chargers, as well as to shift taxiway pavement and install lighting to improve safety and conform with current FAA standards.

Frequently asked questions