WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $477 million in airport infrastructure grants, the third 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 Georgia 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 following airports will receive grants:

Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany, $4 million – grant funds will be used to rehabilitate a taxiway and airport ramp area.

Georgia State Block Grant, Atlanta, $19 million – grant funds will be used for development projects for smaller non-primary airports across the state.

Augusta Regional Airport in Augusta, $921,600 – grant funds will be used to rehabilitate a taxiway and airport ramp area and improve the airport terminal.

Brunswick Golden Isles Airport in Brunswick, $289,459 – grant funds will be used to construct an airport parking lot and aircraft ramp area.

Savannah Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, $4.2 million – grant funds will be used to improve the airport terminal building.

Valdosta Regional Airport in Valdosta, $1.9 million – grant funds will be used to improve airport drainage and rehabilitate a taxiway.

There will be a total of 276 grants to 264 airports in 44 states, the Pacific Islands, and the District of Columbia. 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 this funding increases the airports’ safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airport’s region.

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.