Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Photo TasfotoNL / Shutterstock.com At the start of the month, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) successfully completed the installation of real-time aircraft and vehicle tracking to 100 U.S. air traffic control towers. In July, the administration announced it would invest almost $1.8 billion in airport improvements nationwide, funding runway upgrades, terminal enhancements and safety projects at hundreds of airports.
On September 14, the FAA said it would provide $1.1 billion in funding to upgrade airport infrastructure, improve runway safety and add family-friendly facilities at airports across the United States.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the new investment, which includes 280 grants to airports in 46 states and three U.S. territories through the Airport Improvement Program.
Among the largest awards is $30.7 million for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to support runway reconstruction. Shreveport Regional Airport in Louisiana will receive $18.9 million for a terminal expansion, while Mankato Regional Airport in Minnesota has been awarded $11.5 million for a new contract tower.
The funding also includes $43 million for noise mitigation projects at 12 airports.
One of the safety-focused elements of the investment is the installation of vehicle movement area transmitters, or VMATs, on airport vehicles. The FAA is providing $10.9 million to equip 3,000 vehicles at 61 airports with the technology.
VMATs are designed to help air traffic controllers track vehicles operating on runways and taxiways, giving controllers greater visibility of activity on the airport surface.
“As we continue to strengthen the National Airspace System, we are providing funding for airports to quickly put critical safety investments in across the country,” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said. He added that the grants will give controllers greater situational awareness of aircraft and vehicles moving around airports.
Family facilities are also included in the latest round of funding. McAllen International Airport in Texas will receive $2 million for a terminal expansion covering areas including baggage claim, restrooms, nursing stations and ticketing counters.
Photo: ShutterstockDuffy said the investment is intended to improve airport infrastructure while enhancing safety and making terminals more convenient for families.
“To usher in the Golden Age of Travel, we are upgrading airport infrastructure, enhancing safety on our runways, and expanding family-friendly features in terminals across the country,” Duffy said.
The FAA said additional funding is available for airport infrastructure and safety projects, including runways, taxiways, signage, lighting and markings.
The agency also highlighted separate funding that will support the installation of VMATs on FAA airport vehicles. According to the FAA, $16.5 million was provided to equip all FAA airport vehicles with the technology.
The latest grants form part of broader efforts to strengthen airport infrastructure and improve safety across the U.S. airport system. The projects range from large-scale runway and terminal work to technology designed to give air traffic controllers better awareness of movements on the airport surface.