In a significant move towards sustainability, airports across the country are receiving substantial funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A total of nearly $268 million in grants has been allocated, with approximately $92 million specifically dedicated to promoting sustainability initiatives.
These investments not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also foster the growth of local communities by creating good-paying jobs.
As part of this funding, 21 airports have been selected to implement various sustainability projects, including the installation of solar panels, electric buses, charging stations, and electrification studies.
Additionally, the FAA is providing financial support to aid general aviation airports in transitioning to unleaded fuel for piston-engine aircraft, promoting safer and more environmentally friendly operations.
Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., Associate Administrator for Airports, emphasizes the urgency of helping airports shift towards renewable power sources.
“We need to assist airports in transitioning their operations to renewable power as quickly as possible. Our investments are crucial in ensuring that we stay on track to achieve our net-zero emissions goal,” she stated.
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Harnessing Solar Power
A significant portion of the funding, approximately $46.8 million, is being allocated to support key sustainability projects, primarily focused on solar power equipment and infrastructure. The following airports have been selected for solar-related initiatives:
- Indianapolis International Airport in Indiana: $22.58 million has been allocated for the construction of energy-efficient infrastructure and the installation of solar panels.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona: $20 million will be used to design and construct solar parking structures.
- El Paso International Airport in Texas: $3 million has been granted to install solar panels.
- Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington: $600,000 will fund the installation of solar panels.
- La Porte Municipal Airport in Indiana: $333,450 has been allocated for the installation of solar panels.
- Centerville Municipal Airport in Iowa: $150,000 will be used to install solar panels.
- Decorah Municipal Airport in Iowa: $150,000 has been granted to install solar panels.
Promoting Electric Transportation
The FAA is also dedicated to supporting the adoption of electric vehicles and the establishment of electric transportation infrastructure at airports. With an additional $44.5 million in funding, the following airports have been chosen for electrification projects:
- Portland International Airport in Oregon: $16 million has been allocated to construct infrastructure for zero-emissions vehicles.
- Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas: $4.8 million will be used to purchase electric buses and charging stations.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina: $3.4 million has been granted to purchase zero-emissions vehicles and charging stations.
- Sacramento International Airport in California: $3.2 million will fund the purchase of electric buses.
- Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah: $3.1 million has been allocated to purchase electric buses and charging stations.
- San Francisco International Airport in California: $5.1 million will be used to purchase electric buses and charging stations.
- Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania: $3 million has been granted to purchase zero-emissions vehicles and associated infrastructure.
- McGhee Tyson Airport in Tennessee: $2 million will fund the purchase of zero-emissions vehicles and charging stations.
- Kansas City International Airport in Missouri: $1.5 million has been allocated to purchase electric buses.
- San Diego International Airport in California: $1.1 million will be used to construct electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan: $300,000 has been granted to purchase zero-emissions vehicles and charging stations.
- Bill and Hillary Clinton Airport in Little Rock: $590,000 will fund the purchase of electric buses with chargers.
- Bert Mooney Airport in Butte, Montana: $154,000 has been allocated to purchase electric vehicles with chargers.
Transitioning to Unleaded Fuel
To ensure safer operations and eliminate leaded aviation fuels in piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030, Prescott Regional Airport in Arizona has been awarded $243,000.
This FAA funding will be used to develop a comprehensive plan for the safe transition to unleaded fuel, mitigating the environmental impact associated with leaded fuels.
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