Thursday, February 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under the leadership of President Biden, is distributing $970 million in grants to 114 airports throughout 44 states and three territories as part of the Investing in America initiative. This move, to be officially announced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg during the Investing in America tour, fulfills President Biden’s pledge to enhance the nation’s infrastructure. This initiative aims to reduce costs for families, generate quality employment, and promote equality.
The allocation supports the increasing demand for air travel, initiating several projects designed to enhance the travel experience, ensure better access, and promote environmental sustainability, all while generating well-paying jobs. Upgrades are set to include the introduction of advanced baggage systems, expansion of security checkpoints, an increase in gate capacity, and the renovation of outdated infrastructure within terminals and transportation facilities. These projects will not only make terminals more sustainable but also more accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, nine grants will be dedicated to upgrading old air traffic control towers.
Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the administration’s efforts to enhance travel experiences through expanded consumer protections and infrastructure improvements. He emphasized that these investments, enabled by President Biden’s historic infrastructure plan, aim to simplify airport navigation for passengers, create employment opportunities, and bolster overall safety.
The announcement also mentions previous funding nearing $2 billion for terminal projects, most of which are currently underway. This funding will facilitate the construction of new or enlarged terminal facilities at several airports, including $35 million for Washington Dulles International Airport and $20 million for Salt Lake City International Airport, among others.
FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., noted that the funding not only aims to modernize airports to cater to current and future traveler needs but also to generate significant employment opportunities across diverse communities.
The grants will also enhance passenger experiences by improving security screening, baggage systems, and accessibility for passengers with disabilities, with significant investments allocated to airports like Chicago O’Hare and Denver International.
Furthermore, the grants aim to improve connectivity with other transportation modes and upgrade adjacent roadways, with significant awards to airports such as Los Angeles International and Southwest Florida International.
This funding is part of the Airport Terminal Program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $1 billion annually for five years towards airport terminal grants. This law represents a historic $25 billion investment in modernizing the country’s airport infrastructure.
Overall, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signifies a monumental investment in America’s infrastructure, aiming to revitalize roads, bridges, public transit, and airports, thereby bolstering the nation’s competitiveness. To date, the administration has announced funding exceeding $415 billion for over 46,000 infrastructure projects, coupled with over $640 billion in private sector investments in manufacturing and clean energy within the U.S.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
