- The FAA awarded $481 million through 191 Airport Infrastructure Grants on September 3.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport received $100 million, the largest single payment in the package.
- The grants fund runway, terminal, taxiway, apron, and safety-area projects across 36 states and two territories.
The FAA awarded $481 million through 191 Airport Infrastructure Grants on September 3, directing its largest single payment, $100 million, to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The money will support projects at airports in 36 states and two territories. Atlanta’s award covers runway and taxiway work, terminal reconstruction, and improvements to runway safety areas.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the package ahead of the Labor Day travel period. He said the investment would reach both major hubs and regional airports.
“From our regional hubs to some of America’s busiest airports, we are investing in critical infrastructure that will provide American families with a more seamless, efficient travel experience for years to come.”
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford linked the projects to airport safety and day-to-day operations.
“We’re investing in airport infrastructure that keeps travelers safe and airports operating efficiently. These grants will help airports across the country meet the demands of today’s travelers while preparing for the future.”
The program draws funding from the infrastructure law. The agency framed the awards as part of a wider federal effort to upgrade airports before one of the year’s busy travel periods.
The grants divide airport construction needs by project
The awards target different parts of airport operations. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport will receive $32.5 million to reconstruct its terminal, while San Diego International Airport will receive $30.3 million for terminal construction.
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport will use $14.2 million for taxiway construction and rehabilitation. El Paso International Airport will receive $8.7 million to rehabilitate its apron.
The mix gives airports money for both passenger-facing facilities and airfield surfaces. Taxiways, aprons and runway safety areas support aircraft movement away from the gate and runway.
The largest named awards target terminals, taxiways and aprons
| Airport | Award | Project |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport | $32.5 million | Terminal reconstruction |
| San Diego International Airport | $30.3 million | Terminal construction |
| Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport | $14.2 million | Taxiway construction and rehabilitation |
| El Paso International Airport | $8.7 million | Apron rehabilitation |
The Atlanta payment exceeds the other named awards by a wide margin. Its work combines terminal reconstruction with airfield and safety improvements.
San Diego also highlighted a separate $15.3 million quieter-home grant. The airport said the project would provide sound insulation for approximately 400 eligible residences near the airport.
Senator Alex Padilla said surrounding communities should not have to choose between airport growth and quality of life. “San Diego International Airport is a vital economic engine for the region, and the communities surrounding it should not have to choose between a thriving airport and a good quality of life.”
Senator Adam Schiff said he was proud to help deliver federal funding to reduce airport noise. Representative Scott Peters said, “One of my most important jobs in Congress is to bring home resources to solve problems.”
The two funding streams arrived during the same period but cover separate grant announcements. The latest package itself includes 191 awards spread across the 36 states and two territories.
The September 3 announcement placed the projects within a broader push to improve safety, operational efficiency and the traveler experience. Construction at the largest airports will proceed alongside work at smaller facilities receiving portions of the national total.
