This significant investment in airport improvements in Hawaii will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation, USDOT Secretary Elaine L.Chao said.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $495 million in airport infrastructure grants, the second allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.

This significant investment in airport improvements in Hawaii will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation, Chao said.

The Hawaii grants include the following awards:

• $4,293,750 to Kahului Airport for taxiway reconstruction and buying an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.
• $2,700,000 to the State of Hawaii to update its Pavement Management System Plan. The plan evaluates the condition of airfield pavements and provides recommendations for maintenance/repair timeframes.
• $1,354,500 to Hilo International Airport to buy an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.
• $870,000 to Daniel K Inouye International Airport for installing runway lighting.
• $837,000 to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole to buy an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.

There will be a total of 358 grants to 327 airports in 46 states and the Pacific Islands. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airport's region.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAAs most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chaos leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure.

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

For more information, visit faa.gov/airports/aip/grantapportion_data/.

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