The Indianapolis Airport Authority will receive the nation’s largest allotment of recent Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement funding, with a massive grant of more than $56 million for airfield improvements at Indianapolis International Airport.

According to Mario Rodriguez, executive director, IAA, the grant will help fund the initial construction phase to strengthen and enhance capacity for Runway 5R-23L, and initial construction and electrical phase on Taxiway D.

“This is the crown jewel among the collection of grants the IAA is set to receive,” said Rodriguez. “It’s the largest single grant in our airport’s history, and the largest allotment among the nation’s airports in the FAA’s latest AIP funding round. It sounds more technical than sexy, but this project will invest significantly in improving the airfield as a public asset and is anticipated to create more than 2,700 construction jobs.”

IND is also set to receive almost $1 million from the $5.9 million allocated nationally for Zero Emissions Vehicle grants, and will purchase two 25-foot electric shuttle buses and charging stations to its existing fleet of 12 electric shuttle buses. Another more than $11 million in received funds will increase capacity to house Remain Over Night parking of aircraft on the airfield. All of this aligns with IAA’s goal of securing additional non-stop flights and new commercial service carriers from the city. Indianapolis announced 21 non-stop flights and added new airlines in 2021.

“The work these grants support not only maintain and enhance airport infrastructure, but they also create opportunities for many local companies to compete for these projects, leveraging a diverse business network and workforce that reflects the community,” said Jarod Klaas, senior director of planning and development, IAA. Klaas leads IAA’s pursuit of AIP funding.

In total, the FAA announced more than $431.8 million on Sept. 21 to build safer, more sustainable and more accessible airports across the United States; the grants will pay for projects at 60 airports in 31 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Are you excited to see the improvements at IND and airports around the country as a result of these grants? What airports would you like to see improved in the near future? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at [email protected]. Please include your full name and location.