DOT awards $770.8 million for airport infrastructure

Grants to upgrade runways, taxiways, aprons and terminals will go to 522 of the nation’s airports.    The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $770.8 million in infrastructure improvement grants to 522 of the nation’s airports.
   The grants are the third installment of a $3.18 billion airport improvement funding program and will help fund upgrades to runways, taxiways, aprons and terminals, as well as support purchases of firefighting and snow- removal equipment.
   There are a total of 3,323 airports and 5,000 paved runways across the United States. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in economic activity and supports about 11 million jobs. 
   Airports receive a certain amount of federal infrastructure improvement funds each year based on their activity and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed the available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement them through discretionary funding, DOT said.