FAA invests $1bn in Infrastructure Law funding to help 99 airports meet surging air travel demand

Larger security check points, more reliable and faster baggage systems, better roadways and multimodal connections are just some of the improvements passengers will see at small, medium and large airports across the country

With air traffic poised to reach or beat pre-pandemic levels this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding nearly $1 billion from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 99 airports of all shapes and sizes across the country. 

The funding helps meet the growing demand for air travel and invests in key areas to help get travelers in and out of airports more quickly and improve the passenger experience by investing in new baggage systems, larger security checkpoints and improved ground transportation. Other projects increase terminal sustainability and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Several grants will address the needs of aging air traffic control towers. The investments will go to airports in 47 states and two territories.

Americans deserve the best airports in the world, and with demand for air travel surging back, this funding to improve the passenger experience couldn’t come at a more urgent time. These grants will make it faster and easier to check your bags, get through security and find your gate, all while creating jobs and supporting local economies.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg

These awards are on top of the $1 billion for airport terminals announced for 85 airports last year. The vast majority of those projects are under construction. 

For example, many grants contain an element that will build new or expanded terminal facilities. Among them are:

• $10.8 million to Des Moines International Airport in Des Moines, Iowa: This project replaces the 1948 terminal that is beyond its useful life and operating above capacity. Recent data shows aeronautical demand at 109 percent of pre-pandemic levels. This project offers opportunities to strengthen climate resilience and create good paying jobs. This phase includes the preparation and construction of the terminal foundation.
    
• $29 million to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in Salt Lake City, Utah: The New SLC is a phased Terminal and North Concourse Redevelopment Program which replaces aging and capacity-constrained facilities. This award funds a portion of Phase 4 of the New SLC and includes 16 new gates as well as up to five permanent hardstand positions in Concourse B.

This funding announcement is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal Program grants. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $25 billion to modernize our country’s airport infrastructure.

View the FAA announcement for a list of airport funding projects, or visit FAA to view a data visualization of all of the airports receiving funding (shown below).