The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is funding the US airports to aid in achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. As a part of the project, over $90 million will be invested into more than 20 airports with grants totalling around $268 million.
The funding is part of the 2022-2024 Airport Improvement Program, a supplemental grant initiative that provides more than $3.18 billion annually for a network of nearly 3,500 eligible airports. The FAA announced earlier this week that its funding will support utilizing solar power, the electrification of vehicles, and helping general aviation airports transition to unleaded fuel for piston-engine aircraft.
Speaking about the agency’s announcement, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., Associate Administrator for Airports commented: “We need to help airports transition their operations as quickly as possible to renewable power. Our investments keep us on track for the net-zero goal.”
According to the FAA, $46.8 million will be devoted to crucial sustainability projects such as solar power equipment to save energy. At Indianapolis International Airport, $22.58 million will go to construct energy-efficient infrastructure and the installation of solar panels. The La Porte Municipal Airport will receive $333,450 to install solar panels.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, will receive $20 million to design solar parking structures, while Texas’ El Paso International Airport will get $3 million to install solar panels. The Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington will receive $6 million while Centerville Municipal Airport and Decorah Municipal Airport will each receive $1.5 million.
A total of 13 airports will share $44.5 million to plan and purchase electric vehicles and electric transportation infrastructure, according to the FAA. Oregon’s Portland International Airport will receive the most funding, $16 million, to construct roads and buildings for zero-emissions vehicles. About $5 million will go to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to purchase electric buses and charging stations.
About, $3.4 million will be used to purchase zero-emissions vehicles and charging stations at North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and $3.2 will be used by California’s Sacramento International Airport to buy electric buses. At Salt Lake City International Airport, $3.1 million will go toward purchasing electric buses and charging stations. Pittsburgh International Airport will utilize $3 million to buy zero-emissions vehicles and charging stations.
Additionally, Prescott Regional Airport in Arizona will get $243,000 to transition its operation to unleaded fuel.
