The United States Department of Transportation Secretary says the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $677 million in airport infrastructure grants, “the first allotment of the total $3.2 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says the 241 grants will fund 346 infrastructure projects that include runways, taxiways, aprons and terminals.
“These projects are important to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s system of airports,” the US. DOT says.
The U.S. DOT says the FAA’s most recent economic analysis shows U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs.
“If you want a strong transportation system, you have to invest in airport infrastructure,” said U.S. DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “Airports are the backbone of aviation. These communities are going to reap greater safety, efficiency, and economic dividends for years to come.”
(Read more: KWCH News)