Biden Pumps Nearly $1 Billion Into Airport Modernization Projects

15.02.2024 - 16:53 / forbes.com / Pete Buttigieg

The White House announced Thursday it was allocating nearly $1 billion in federal funding for infrastructure projects to modernize 114 U.S. airports across 44 states and three territories.

The $970 million in funding will be used to create wider concourses, larger security checkpoints, more efficient baggage systems, additional gate capacity and more modern air traffic control towers. This new round of grants comes on top of the nearly $2 billion for airport terminals announced over the past two years.

“We’re living through an unprecedented round of investment and improvements in all forms of our country’s infrastructure,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “These investments we’re announcing today, made possible by President Biden’s historic infrastructure package, will make it easier for passengers to get to and through airports, create jobs, and increase safety for all.”

The funding for the projects comes from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which comes on the heels of more than $240 million in funding for Airport Infrastructure Grants. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal Program grants. In total, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $25 billion to modernize the United States’ airport infrastructure.

Among the big winners, Chicago O’Hare International Airport will received $40 million to improve Terminal 3 to widen the central passenger corridor, reconfigure a TSA checkpoint, add a new holdroom and restroom, and update the baggage system.

Washington Dulles International Airport will receive $35 million to build a 400,000-square-foot, 14-gate terminal including connections to the Aerotrain and Metrorail.

Los Angeles International Airport in Southern California has been awarded $31 million to improve surrounding roadways, including underground storm water containment systems.

Denver International Airport, which just opened a new $51-million taxiway last fall, is getting another $26.6 million in federal funds to help replace the current baggage handling system with one that is more energy efficient and has greater capacity.

Salt Lake City International Airport, which is nearing the end of a 12-year, $5-billion overhaul, was recently named the “Utahn of the Year” by The Salt Lake Tribune for injecting $11 billion annually into the economy. It will receive $20 million in federal funding to expand the Concourse B terminal, including 16 gates.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who voted for the Infrastructure Bill in 2021, issued a press release taking credit for the $13 million secured for Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. That sum includes