U.S. Department of Transportation awards $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants

Image of GettyImages-181094936.jpg

Key Takeaways

On September 1, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced awards of $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants to more than 400 airports, many of which are county owned and operated. The total includes over $1 billion for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and $152 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants. A complete list of grant awardees can be found here.

AIP grants fund capital projects without the financial burden of debt financing. The grants are flexible and may be used for runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, noise mitigation, emissions reduction, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons and terminals. With 34 percent of public airports directly supported by counties, AIP provides crucial funding for local governments to maintain and improve the nation’s airport infrastructure.

A longstanding county priority, NACo supports continued funding for the AIP and an increase of the federal share for airport development projects. NACo will continue to advocate for county infrastructure priorities as negotiations around FY 2021 federal spending levels are ongoing.

Image of GettyImages-181094936.jpg

Attachments

Related News

Image of railroad-stock.png
Advocacy

NACo endorses bill to allow states to regulate blocked rail crossings

On April 8, NACo endorsed the Railroad Responsibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 341). Led by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), this important legislation grants states the authority to regulate blocked at-grade railroad crossings. Delays caused by extended blocked train crossing create safety and connectivity concerns by increasing emergency response times and disrupting traffic.

2194729588
Advocacy

U.S. Department of Transportation announces newest round of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant opportunities

On March 27, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) posted a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. Almost $1 billion is available for distribution under the grant program, which supports safety planning and improvement projects on locally owned transportation networks.

carrepair
County News

Auto repair program helps people get back on their feet

Partnering with a non-profit and local businesses, Alameda County, Calif. created a program to fix cars and donate cars, helping people who live and work in transit deserts.