CT airports receive $12.5M in federal grants
Eleven airports in the state have been awarded nearly $12.5 million in federal infrastructure funding that is expected to help them increase flights and invest in infrastructure improvements.
Connecticut leaders announced the funding from the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday. This is the first of a series of grants the airports will receive over the next five years as part of the federal infrastructure package passed in November.
Bradley International Airport will get the biggest chunk, with more than $9 million.
Gov. Ned Lamont said this will “turbo-charge” Connecticut’s comeback.
“The allocations announced [Friday] by the Federal Aviation Administration to Bradley and our general aviation airports will accelerate much-needed safety, capacity, and airfield improvements,” he said in a statement. “New federal funding will complement state and private investments and make Connecticut even more competitive.”
Over the next five years, $45 million will go toward Bradley, said U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.
“Bradley has been recognized as one of the top airports in the country and this funding will continue to help the airport and region thrive,” he said in a statement.
The money will partially fund two projects at Bradley.
The first will streamline the baggage detection system, which forces passengers to carry their own checked luggage and constrains available ticket counter space, officials said. This project will also add additional gate and concession space. The airport’s federal inspection services may also eventually be moved to create a seamless terminal facility for all travelers.
The second project will “reimagine” passenger circulation, replacing the centrally located exit lane with vertical circulation cores on each end of the terminal, officials said. This will alleviate terminal congestion by providing space to expand the footprint of the main TSA security checkpoint and route passengers more directly from their concourse to baggage claim.
“These funds will be put to good use at Bradley Airport building capacity for airline growth so we can continue offering service to new nonstop destinations across the country and globe,” said Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, in a statement. “These funds will also provide for important safety and airfield investments in airports across the state. We are committed to providing the safest and most convenient airport experience possible, and [Friday’s] announcement will ensure that we are able to meet that goal now and in the future.”
At the the Connecticut Airport Authority’s general aviation airports, the money will be used generally to enhance airfield infrastructure and undertake other necessary safety projects.
Other airports
In this round, Tweed New Haven Airport will get more than $1 million.
“Improving our transportation infrastructure is vital to growing Connecticut’s economy and, thanks to the great work of our federal delegation, we will now be able to undertake additional and incredibly important projects that will help create jobs, enhance safety, protect our environment and improve the overall passenger experience here at Tweed Airport,” Sean Scanlon, executive director, said in a statement.
Igor I Sikorsky Memorial in Bridgeport will receive $763,000. Airport Director Michelle Muoio said the grant will be used to “evaluate and pursue coastal flooding resiliency efforts as well as opportunities to expand safety measures and optimize airport services for new and existing users.”
Danbury, Groton-New London, and Waterbury-Oxford airports will each get $295,000. Another $159,000 each will go toward Danielson, Hartford-Brainard, Meriden Markham Municipal, Robertson Field and Windham airports.
Danbury Municipal Airport plans to use the funds to toward rehabilitating a “vital” taxiway, said Michael Safranek, Danbury Municipal Airport administrator.
“The bipartisan infrastructure package is already proving to be a game-changer for Connecticut,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said in a statement. “This first round of funding for our state’s airports will help to increase flights to destinations around the world while improving safety and security and enhancing the overall customer experience. The people and businesses of Connecticut will continue to see their lives dramatically improved as a result of these historic investments in our state’s infrastructure.”
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., noted travelers are experiencing long lines, canceled flights and crowded airports.
“This federal funding will help Connecticut airports increase their capacity, making travel much more convenient,” he said in a statement.