The grant includes funds to modernize the lighting systems at the airport
A ground crew member loads luggage onto a plane at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids on Nov. 21, 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday that it has given the airport $4.6 million to upgrade its runway and lighting equipment. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
CEDAR RAPIDS – The Federal Aviation Administration announced Friday that it has awarded Eastern Iowa Airport about $4.629 million for improvements.
The money will be used to renew a taxiway that serves the entire airport and to modernize the airport’s lighting system.
FAA funds will cover 90 percent of the cost, while the airport commission will cover the remaining 10 percent, airport spokeswoman Pam Hinman said.
The award is part of a total of more than $636 million in funding announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (FAA). The 320 grants will go to 46 states and American Samoa.
The Airport Improvement Program grants finance projects such as planning, improving airport safety, airport development and airport noise compatibility.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids on May 25, 2023, about a $20.4 million grant for the airport funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The department announced Friday that the airport was awarded $4.6 million to improve its runway and lighting equipment. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette)
“From passenger traffic to cargo operations, the Biden-Harris administration continues to make our aviation system safer, more accessible and more resilient through initiatives like the Airport Improvement Program,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.
This project complements improvements the airport has made in recent years, with the airport beginning the final phase of its $120.9 million terminal modernization project last year.
Federal funding has also provided significant support for the project, with the FAA providing $20.4 million and the state providing $28.3 million from the Iowa Commercial Aviation Infrastructure Fund, which was established by Gov. Kim Reynolds with money from the Democratic-backed American Rescue Plan Act.
Once completed, the improvements will improve travel and passenger amenities, increase the concourse for larger aircraft and enable the airport to capitalise on increasing demand.
The fourth phase of the terminal modernization includes the remodeling of the rest of the terminal from Gates 4 to 9, adding 32,000 square meters, including four additional jet bridges, a larger terrace with a license to serve alcohol, an experience room for people overstimulated by travel, and an area where pets can relieve themselves.
Comments: (319) 398-8494; [email protected]
