Industrial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  February 16, 2024

FAA Invests in Airports: Adds Solar, Efficiency Upgrades

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $970 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Investing in America agenda to 114 airports across the country in 44 states and three territories. 

The funding helps meet the growing demand for air travel and launches projects that will improve sustainability, passenger experience and accessibility.

“Under this administration, we are doing more to improve the travel experience than ever before, from expanding consumer protections to modernizing the physical infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, in a statement. “These investments we’re announcing today, made possible by President Biden’s historic infrastructure package, will make it easier for passengers to get to and through airports, create jobs, and increase safety for all.”

One of the projects includes $2 million allocated to Spokane International Airport in Washington for two additional ticket counters, passenger boarding bridges, portions of the HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing upgrades, shared use and hearing-impaired technology, smart glass, solar energy connection, baggage handling systems, and other considerable ADA improvements.

Another project includes $3.4 million in funding being provided to Appleton International Airport in Wisconsin to fund a four-gate concourse expansion and will include a 60,000 square foot expansion increasing the number of gates to 10. 

The $31 million being allocated to San Francisco International Airport in California will replace critical mechanical and electrical components of the HVAC system at the International Terminal. Replacing these components will improve fire-life safety compliance, reduce energy usage, reduce maintenance costs and improve resilience.