U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao recently announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $9.2 million in airport infrastructure grants to both George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) airports.

A grant in the amount of $6,111,776 will be used to extend a runway at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Another grant in the amount of $3,150,000 will be used to acquire land for approaches at Hobby Airport.

“These Airport Improvement Grants are investments in our country’s critical infrastructure,” said Secretary Chao. “These grants are a down payment to ensure Houston’s airports remain economic engines as demand grows.”  

The grants are part of a total of $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding this year for projects across the nation. The grants will fund infrastructure projects that include runways, taxiways, aprons, and terminal projects. These projects are important to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s system of airports.

Airports 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.