WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded grants totaling $156,990 to improve safety and operations at two airports in Iowa.
These federal grants are distributed through an Airport Improvement Program that is administered by the FAA. They are not earmarks determined by Congress. Public facilities at the state and local levels, as well as private-sector entities are eligible for these grants for projects at public-use airports. According to the FAA, distribution of Airport Improvement Program funds is based on current national priorities and objectives. Federal officials direct the funds first into major categories, including primary, cargo and general aviation. Remaining funds go to a discretionary fund, and grant applicants compete for these federal dollars.
The funds will be distributed as follows:
• Clarion Municipal Airport will receive $55,100 to construct a new hangar building
• Winterset Municipal Airport will receive $101,890 to construct a new hangar building
Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants from the federal government. The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity.