Routes and Airports Channel

US stimulus funds earmarked for airports

ATW's Airports Today, March 2009, p.5

US airports are set to receive $1.1 billion from the just-passed Economic Stimulus bill, but all the funds must be obligated within the year. The bill restricts expenditures to Airport Improvement Program funding, which must be spent airside on safety and runway improvement projects.

"The money can't be used for terminals or to reduce landing fees," ACI-NA Executive VP-Policy and External Affairs Deborah McElroy told AT. "There's a special emphasis on safety, infrastructure and rehabilitation. It's project specific, not airport specific. You have to have a program that meets the criteria. FAA will give high priority to programs that can be completed in two years."

The stimulus will supplement "traditional" AIP funding, which has been earmarked at approximately $3.5 billion for the past two years, said McElroy. "The additional money in the AIP stimulus will allow some airports to accelerate some of the program to improve safety and capacity."

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