Federal grants secure $30 million for fire station upgrades at Bush and Hobby Airports

Thursday, December 28, 2023

The FAA, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, granted Houston Airports $30 million in Airport Infrastructure Grants for Fiscal Year 2024 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant is a significant portion of the $66.2 million allocated by the Biden Administration, supporting 66 projects in 23 states and Puerto Rico. These projects, funded by non-discretionary grants, are part of a $25 billion investment over five years to modernize U.S. airports, enhancing safety, expanding capacity, and upgrading equipment.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the necessity of ensuring airports meet increased travel demands, thanking President Biden for historic funding that will revamp airports nationwide, generating employment, stimulating local economies, and benefiting travelers for years to come.

Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) received $15 million each. This funding is specifically allocated for the demolition and reconstruction of their Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) buildings.

At Bush Airport, plans include constructing a 21,000-square-foot facility to replace Houston Fire Department Fire Station 92, featuring six apparatus bays, administrative offices, and direct airfield access. Meanwhile, Hobby Airport is undergoing construction of a new 20,000-square-foot facility to replace Houston Fire Department Fire Station 81. This reconstruction encompasses living and work spaces, apparatus bays, and support areas, scheduled for completion by summer 2026 in a phased approach.

Houston Airports, alongside the City of Houston and U.S. Congressman Al Green, rejoiced in the FAA grant announcement. Congressman Al Green highlighted the funding’s importance in addressing long-standing building deterioration and improving first responders’ infrastructure, critical for emergency responses at the airports.

Moreover, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $15 billion over five years for the Airport Improvement Grant (AIG) program, enabling investment in various airport projects such as runways, safety initiatives, terminal enhancements, and sustainability efforts.

FAA has already allocated close to $9 billion in AIG funding to airports nationwide, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to airport development. The broader impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law extends beyond airports, aiming to overhaul the nation’s infrastructure, foster economic growth, tackle climate challenges, promote environmental justice, and generate sustainable employment opportunities.

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