WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $986 million in airport infrastructure grants, the fifth 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 Minnesota will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The grants to airports in Minnesota include the following awards:

• $65,648 to Baudette International Airport for apron rehabilitation.
• $521,975 to Buffalo Municipal Airport to extend a taxiway and for apron reconstruction.
• $971,946 to Sky Harbor Airport in Duluth for runway construction.
• $517,826 to Fergus Falls Municipal Field for taxiway reconstruction.
• $15.87 million to Falls International Airport in International Falls for a Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Program.
• $1.21 million to Lake Elmo Airport for various development projects.
• $468,822 to Airlake Airport in Lakeville to construct a taxiway and an access road.
• $337,770 to Mankato Regional Airport for runway rehabilitation and taxiway construction.
• $1.66 million to Moorhead Municipal Airport to widen a runway.
• $38,817 to Ortonville Municipal Airport for taxiway and apron rehabilitation.
• $1.67 million to Princeton Municipal Airport to reconstruct a runway and taxiway and for runway and taxiway lighting.
• $150,000 to Springfield Municipal Airport to install airport beacons and NAVAIDS and to remove non-hazardous obstructions.
• $840,475 to Wilmar Municipal Airport for runway and taxiway rehabilitation.
• $1.99 million to Winsted Municipal Airport for runway reconstruction.

The FAA will award grants to 354 airports in 44 states and two territories Micronesia 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.

See a complete listing of grants on our website.