FAA allocates $615 million in grants for 238 airport projects

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded almost $615 million to fund 238 airport projects across 42 states and two U.S. territories. The money comes through the agency's Airport Improvement Program, which supports infrastructure work such as runways, taxiways, terminals, control towers and lighting at public-use airports.

Some of the largest grants include $21.5 million for runway rehabilitation at Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas and $19.5 million to build a replacement airport in Noatak, Alaska. Gary/Chicago International Airport is set to receive about $8.3 million to rebuild its FAA contract tower. Lynchburg Regional Airport in Virginia was awarded $8 million toward a terminal project.

Smaller airports appear on the list too. Buckeye Municipal Airport in Arizona will get roughly $793,000 for a new contract tower and runway lighting, and Boulder City Municipal Airport in Nevada was awarded $4.6 million for a new contract tower.

Apple Valley Airport in California received $5.9 million for runway work. Ohio State University Airport was granted about $4 million for airfield lighting and signage.

According to the FAA, the funding is meant to improve safety and efficiency at airports nationwide as travel demand grows. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said the grants support the agency's broader goal of improving the passenger experience.

The Airport Improvement Program funds eligible projects at airports included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Airports normally receive annual entitlement funding tied to passenger volume, and the FAA can add discretionary funds where eligible.