Part of the FAA’s campaign to increase safety in Alaska

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award seven Alaska airports a total of $42 million in Airport Improvement Program grants to help with safety, access and sustainability efforts. The FAA has awarded more than 64 grants totaling $257.4 million to Alaska airports during fiscal year 2021.

“These grants reflect our ongoing commitment to the unique needs of Alaska aviation community and our focus on supporting the extensive Alaska National Airspace System,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.

Aviation provides the backbone of daily commerce to many communities in the state, including the delivery of food and life-saving supplies, inter-city and inter-village transportation, emergency medical evacuations and daily commuting. Approximately 82 percent of communities in Alaska are only accessible by air. Many of these communities are home to Alaska natives, which represent nearly 20 percent of the state’s population.

“Transportation connectivity is paramount to reach communities throughout our great nation. These grants are key to achieve that goal,” said Arlando Teller, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs.

The projects announced today will not have to pay the usual local match thanks to nearly $100 million in President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.