WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $478 million in airport infrastructure grants, the fourth allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.

“This significant investment in airport improvements in Indiana will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” Chao said.

The grants to airports in Indiana include the following awards:

• $1.12 million to Monroe County Airport in Bloomington for taxiway rehabilitation.
• $455,850 to Columbus Municipal Airport to update the airport Master Plan study.
• $982,300 to Mettel Field in Connersville for runway rehabilitation.
• $450,000 to Delphi Municipal Airport for building construction.
• $600,000 to Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport in Fishers to install perimeter fencing.
• $652,860 to Goshen Municipal Airport for taxiway rehabilitation.
• $385,553 to Putnam County Regional Airport in Greencastle to install perimeter fencing.
• $150,000 to Eagle Creek Airpark in Indianapolis to install perimeter fencing.
• $4.74 million to Indianapolis International Airport for taxiway and apron rehabilitation and security enhancements.
• $945,100 to La Porte Municipal Airport for taxiway and apron rehabilitation.
• $823,500 to Logansport/Cass County Airport for runway lighting.
• $360,000 to Indianapolis Regional Airport in McCordsville to update the airport Master Plan study.
• $455,717 to Freeman Municipal Airport in Seymour for taxiway rehabilitation.
• $71,820 to Perry County Municipal Airport in Tell City for runway lighting.
• $63,000 to Arens Field in Winamac for runway lighting.

The FAA will award grants to 232 airports in 43 states, including American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by these grants will enhance safety and capacity while promoting economic growth in the regions served by each airport.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure. 

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.