FAA awards $81.3M to repair, enhance California airports

California is bolstering its airport infrastructure with the injection of $81.3 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff announced that 18 California airports will share the awards, which are delivered through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

The AIP provides entitlement funding based on passenger volume and discretionary funding for projects exceeding those entitlements. The program is designed to strengthen the nation’s aviation infrastructure and support economic growth through improved transportation networks. Eligible uses include improvements to runways, taxiways and airport lighting, as well as airport signage and markings.

This round of grants includes projects related to safety enhancements and noise mitigation.

Major allocations include:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $22.8 million for noise mitigation systems serving 400 nearby residences.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY): $19.45 million to reconstruct 3,138 feet of paved taxiway connectors.
San Diego International Airport (SAN): $15 million for noise mitigation systems serving 250 residences.
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP): $8.71 million to rehabilitate 6,101 feet of taxiway pavement.

These grants build on previous announcements of a combined $308.8 million from the FAA, stemming from the AIP program and the FAA’s Airport Terminal Program. According to Sen. Schiff, the grants allow California to make investments in airport infrastructure that will improve travel experience, safety, create more jobs and boost local economies.

The full list of recipients includes: