USDOT announces $9.7 million in infrastructure grants to 3 airports in Wyoming

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award an additional $478 million in Airport Improvement Program 232 grants July 31, of which $9.7 million will be awarded to 3 airports and to the state of Wyoming. This is in addition to $20 million awarded to 16 airports in Wyoming June 5, June 24 and July 9. The grant funding will be administered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division.

The U.S. transportation infrastructure, with its 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways as an essential component, increases the country’s competitiveness and improves the traveling public’s quality of life.

In addition to administering the funding, WYDOT’s Aeronautics Division represents and advocates for projects for local governments. The Aeronautics Division is also involved with the planning and engineering of these projects.

All of the projects put forward in the planning phase are approved by the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission through the Aeronautics Division’s Wyoming Aviation Capital Improvement Program. Projects are thoroughly vetted and all necessary information has been coordinated before grant applications are made.

The FAA typically awards between $30-35 million to Wyoming airports each year. The state gives an average of $8.5 million yearly to match federal and/or local funds for airport development.

Among the grant awards announced are the following projects at Wyoming airports:

• Casper/Natrona County International Airport – $7,385,000 to rehabilitate an apron;
• Cheyenne Regional Airport/Jerry Olsen Field – $350,000 to reconstruct a runway (design); and
• Laramie Regional Airport – $2,000,036 to renovate and expand the terminal building.