The FAA is directing $84.4 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to airports in Texas, North Carolina and Wyoming, with San Antonio International Airport receiving the single largest award of $40.9 million for airfield drainage reconstruction and erosion control.

Where the money is going

The funding round breaks down across four airports:

• San Antonio International Airport (TX): $40.9 million for airfield drainage reconstruction and erosion control.
• Abilene Regional Airport (TX): $17.5 million for terminal expansion.
• Jackson Hole Airport (WY): $16.6 million for taxiway rehabilitation.
• Wilmington International Airport (NC): $3 million for apron expansion.

Texas facilities account for $58.4 million, or roughly 69% of the package.

What the FAA is funding

Three of the four projects target airfield surface infrastructure rather than passenger-facing terminals. San Antonio's award, the largest, addresses drainage and erosion — a category of work typically driven by repeated weather exposure and grading failures along runway edges and infield areas. Jackson Hole's $16.6 million covers taxiway rehabilitation, an outlay that often translates into overnight closures during construction and short-term reductions in capacity during peak tourist periods.

Abilene is the lone terminal-focused project. Wilmington's $3 million is the smallest grant in the round and funds apron expansion, which adds parking positions for aircraft rather than gate infrastructure.

What officials said

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy framed the grants as a backlog catch-up effort: "Across the country, we are making long overdue investments into airport infrastructure that will enhance the travel experience for American families. Through runway, terminal, and facility updates, we are making sure our overall systems are more reliable and resilient."

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford tied the awards to operational continuity. "As we continue strengthening our nation's aviation infrastructure, these grants give airports the resources they need to move forward with important projects," Bedford said. "From runway and taxiway improvements to terminal upgrades and other critical infrastructure, these investments will help airports across the country maintain safe, efficient and reliable facilities."

How AIP fits into airport finance

AIP funds come from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is financed largely through ticket taxes, segment fees and cargo fees rather than general tax revenue. Grants are awarded by formula for smaller airports and by discretionary decision for larger hubs and specific projects. AIP typically covers 75% to 90% of costs for most projects, with the remainder funded by the airport sponsor or through passenger facility charges.

For San Antonio, a $40.9 million AIP award signals a sizable capital project that will likely require matching local funds and a multi-year construction timeline. Drainage reconstruction on active airfield surfaces is normally staged in phases to keep runways operational.

For Jackson Hole, which serves a tourism-heavy catchment in Grand Teton National Park, the taxiway work carries direct seasonal consequences. Construction windows are tightly compressed between summer peak and winter snowfall, and FAA-funded rehabilitation typically requires the airport to coordinate with airlines on temporary gate or routing changes.

What to watch next

The FAA has not specified construction start dates or completion milestones for any of the four projects. Sponsors will now move into design and bidding phases, with grants typically obligated within 12 months of award. Further AIP tranches are expected in the coming fiscal quarters as the agency works through the broader national queue of airfield, terminal and safety projects.