The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and is meant to help Houston Airports meet passenger needs as the demand for air travel soars.
HOUSTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded Houston Airports and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) $9.6 million in grant funding from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021. Bush Airport is among 99 airports to share in nearly $1 billion in funding.
The grant money will fund upgrades to the terminals at IAH. The financial support allows Houston Airports to improve energy efficiency, replace aging infrastructure and upgrade restrooms.
“With air traffic poised to reach or exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, it’s imperative that Houston Airports continue to invest in improving its infrastructure to meet passenger demand,” said Jim Szczesniak, Chief Operating Officer of Houston Airports. “This funding affords Bush Airport the opportunity to create a more functional and efficient passenger experience, from curb to gate and upgrade terminal facilities to improve the customer experience at IAH.”
This award is in addition to the $43.6 million in grant funding Houston Airports received from the FAA in July 2022. Last year, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the FAA awarded $1 billion for domestic redevelopment to 85 airports, including $40 million to Bush Airport and $3.6 million to William P. Hobby Airport.
READ MORE | Houston Airports slated to receive $43.6 million in federal grants
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg then visited Houston’s airports two months later.
“Americans deserve the best airports in the world, and with demand for air travel surging back, this funding to improve the passenger experience couldn’t come at a more urgent time,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the most recent funding announcement. “These grants will make it faster and easier to check your bags, get through security and find your gate, all while creating jobs and supporting local economies.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal Program grants.