FAA awards over $13 millon for improvements at airports in Puerto Rico

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award over $13 million in airport infrastructure grants to Puerto Rico as part of the fifth 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 Puerto Rico will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The following airports will receive a grant:

• Antonio, Nery, Juarbe Pol, Arecibo - $520,000. Grant funds will be used to rehabilitate Runway 08/26.
• Jose Aponte De La Torre, Ceiba - $1,982,603. Grant funds will be used to rehabilitate Taxiway B.
• Eugenio Maria De Hostos, Mayaguez - $9,651,283. Grant funds will be used to reconstruct Runway 09/27.
• Luis Munoz Marin International, San Juan - $925,160. Grant funds will be used to reconstruct Taxiway H.
• Five general aviation airports in Puerto Rico - $535,500 grant funds will be used to rehabilitate runway lighting for: Runway 09/27 at Eugenio Maria De Hostos Mayaguez; Runway 13/31 at Benjamin Rivera Noriega, Culebra; Runway 09/27 at Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci, San Juan; Runway 09/27 at Antonio Rivera Rodriguez, Vieques; Runway 08/26 at Antonio Nery/Juarbe Pol, Arecibo

The FAA will award grants to 354 airports in 44 states and two territories Micronesia and Puerto Rico. 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 these grants will enhance safety and capacity while promoting economic growth in the regions served by each airport.

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.