The Department of Transportation intends to award $779 million in grant funds to address concerns in 127 airports within the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The funds are intended to support construction efforts and reinforce the security, capabilities and safety of the selected airports, the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.Â
“This supplemental funding allows us to invest in important infrastructure needs at the nation’s airports, especially those serving smaller and rural communities,†said Elaine Chao, secretary at DOT.
The grant is a part of the Airport Improvement Program, a $3.3 billion initiative focusing on the renovation, maintenance and rehabilitation of airport taxiways, terminals and aprons. According to DOT, the grants under the program aim to optimize the airports’ emergency response functions and potentially grow within their respective regions.