Design and construction for airports across the U.S. will go on for a long time. These much need improvements will emphasize sustainability, durability and environmental concerns. Funding for the upgrades comes from two programs. The FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) supplies $518.million and the bipartisan infrastructure law allocates $20 billion for airport improvement projects not covered by the AIP. "One part of the AIP is entitlement dollars, where large and primary airports as well as smaller ones receive grants for design and construction based on enplane-ments/cargo or population size. The other part is a discretionary pot for capital improvement. Airports compete for those dollars. This pot is provided separately by Congress and can be used in the competitive environment to complete projects," says Shannetta Griffin, FAA's Associate Administrator for Airports. All the funding applies to planning, design and construction but has an added dimension. "The AIP program, which supplies $3.2 billion annually, has always been equitable, but the bipartisan legislation has enhanced that. The funds are intended to help change the dynamics of smaller and disadvantaged areas by making things more resilient, sustainable, environmentally sound and equitable. It will allow needed food and medical supplies to get to those communities via air cargo and passenger services," says Griffin.
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