FAA awards $21 million in grants to 17 Arizona airports

PHOENIX — The U.S. Department of Transportation announced last week that the Federal Aviation Administration will award $21 million in grants to 17 Arizona airports.

The grants for infrastructure improvements are part of a total of $840 million going to U.S. airports, the first phase of the $3.18 billion Airport Improvement Program.

The 432 grants will fund projects at 381 airports across the country.

“Airport improvement grants are a critical source of revenue that we provide to public-use airports all over the U.S. for important infrastructure projects,” Ian Gregor, FAA spokesman, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

.@USDOT and the #FAA announce a total of $21M in #AirportGrants to fund the improvement of #airport #infrastructure and #operations across the state of #Arizona. https://t.co/DKL8lsrw0b pic.twitter.com/3FN4Dg1god

— The FAA (@FAANews) June 10, 2019

“And that can range from runway construction to acquiring land for development, to terminal expansion, to runway and taxiway improvements and lighting improvements, airfield signs, all sorts of things like that.”

The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will receive $6.5 million for taxiway reconstruction.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will get $3.7 million for reconstruction of its aircraft apron, the area where planes load and unload passengers.

More than $3 million will go to Window Rock Airport for runway reconstruction, and $1.7 million will go to Buckeye Municipal Airport for taxiway improvements.

“Over time, all pavement at all airports deteriorates to a degree,” Gregor said.

“And it’s important that airports maintain all of their pavement in a good condition so that no debris is kicked up that could damage aircraft engines or the aircraft themselves.”

Projects at the 13 other Arizona airports include installing perimeters, updating master plan studies and reconstructing runway lighting.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report. 

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