The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $845 million in grants for projects that will mitigate environmental impacts, increase accessibility, and expand capacity at airports across the United States. The funding from the fourth round of Fiscal Year 2021 Airport Improvement Program grants will pay for projects at 388 airports in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
The Airport Improvement Program grant files report that Alaska is set to receive a total of $50,165,175 to airports across the state. The Kenai Municipal Airport is set to receive $800,000 to acquire snow removal equipment. The Chenega Bay Airport in Seward is set to receive $303,360 for surface joints on the seal apron, seal runway and seal taxiway pavement. 23 airports in total across Alaska will see shares of the Airport Improvement Program grants.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said:
“We don’t want to just build our airports back to the way things were before the pandemic. We want our airports to be better than ever – accessible to all, delivering maximum benefit to their communities, and helping directly and indirectly create jobs for millions of Americans.“
The FAA reports that the projects announced will not have to pay back the usual lock match thanks to nearly $100 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding announced last week. The Airport Improvement Program receives $3.2 billion in funding each year. The FAA plans to award more than 1,500 grants in 2021.
For more information on the Airport Improvement Program grants, click here.
