WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $5,380,266 grant to the Dubuque Regional Airport.
The airport will use the funds to replace the existing terminal building.
These federal funds are distributed through the 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.
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.