Let it Snow: Airports across US receive FAA funding to tackle winter weather

As winter approaches, 85 airports in 28 states will be better prepared to keep airport operations running safely and smoothly.

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has awarded more than $76.2m in Fiscal Year 2022 for snowplows, de-icing equipment, and new or upgraded buildings to store this equipment.

“We can’t let winter weather stop aircraft from safely landing and taking off. This funding will help keep airports operating this winter and get passengers and cargo to their work, families and vacations safely,” said Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E.

Approximately $46.2m will be used to purchase snow removal equipment, such as:

• $3,667,964 to Rickenbacker International in Columbus, Ohio
• $3,152,552 to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska
• $607,500 to Ford Airport in Iron Mountain, Michigan
• $2,350,167 to Boeing Field/King County International Airport in Seattle, Washington

An additional $13.6m is to develop de-icing facilities, including:

• $9,776,486 to Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey to construct a de-icing containment facility.
• $3,301,240 Great Falls International Airport in Great Falls, Montana to construct a de-icing pad.
• $277,777 to Williston Basin International Airport in Williston, North Dakota to construct a de-icing pad.

The final $16.4m will construct and renovate buildings that house and maintain snow removal equipment, including:

• $4,569,500 to Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg, West Virginia
• $2,694,567 to Bellingham International Airport in Bellingham, Washington
• $2,189,414 to Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport in Brainerd, Minnesota
• $936,625 to Mammoth Yosemite Airport in Mammoth Lake, California

The funding is from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. The program pays for a variety of projects including construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield elements such as lighting or signage, and the purchase of equipment needed to operate and maintain airports.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 24th November 2022 | Issue #679