$8 billion in Grant Funding Available to U.S. Airports

According to a June 22 press release, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $8 billion in grants to keep U.S. airport workers employed, construction projects going and help U.S. airports recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aviation frontline heroes have worked hard throughout the pandemic to keep airports safe, healthy, clean and well-managed. Their commitment to overcoming challenges and incorporating safer solutions has allowed the transportation industry to continue operating.

As more Americans are able to get vaccinated and start traveling again, these grants will help the aviation industry recover, improve technology, protect staff, and build a better and safer transportation system.

The funding for the grants comes from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 President Biden signed into law on March 11, 2021.

The funding provides economic relief to eligible commercial service, reliever, and general aviation airports. It can be used to reimburse operational expenses, debt service payments, and costs related to combating the spread of pathogens at the airport. Airports can also use the money to provide rent relief to in-terminal retail and concession companies.

The funding requires that airports continue to employ at least 90 percent of their pre-pandemic employees.