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 Texas 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 Texas include the following awards:

• $400,000 to Jack Brooks Regional Airport in Beaumont to conduct an Airport Master Plan study.
• $547,951 to Easterwood Field in College Station for taxiway rehabilitation.
• $9.45 million to Corpus Christi International Airport to improve a Runway Safety Area.
• $1.65 million to Valley International Airport in Harlingen for taxiway reconstruction and to install airfield guidance signs.
• $1.18 million to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston for taxiway reconstruction.
• $10 million to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston for taxiway reconstruction.
• $3.38 million to Robert Gray Airport in Killeen for building construction.
• $9.86 million to Laredo International Airport for runway and apron rehabilitation, for runway lighting and to install a runway guidance system.
• $6.68 million to McAllen Miller International Airport for runway rehabilitation.
• $5.91 million to San Antonio International Airport for taxiway construction, apron expansion, and a Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) Program.
• $364,500 to Waco Regional Airport for terminal building improvements, airport drainage improvements, and to acquire an emergency generator.
• $5.62 million to the Texas State Block Grant Program for development projects at various non-primary airports.

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.