US Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced yesterday the Federal Aviation Administration will award $527.8 million in airport infrastructure grants to 584 airports across the United States as part of the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

The airport grant program funds various types of airport infrastructure projects, including runways, taxiways, and airport signage, lighting, and marking.

“The Airport Improvement Program helps to maintain our aviation infrastructure and supports safety, capacity, security and environmental improvements,” said Secretary Chao.

“Investing in our airport infrastructure ensures the safe and efficient operation of our air transportation system,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “This funding program helps us maintain, renovate, and build airport infrastructure at airports.”

Airports are entitled to a certain amount of AIP funding each year, based on passenger volume. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, then the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding. At this time, FAA is providing discretionary funding to 38 airports based on their high-priority project needs.

Among the airports receiving discretionary grants, Ainsworth Regional Airport in Ainsworth, Nebraska, will $683,000 to fund two runway projects.

Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina will receive $18.2 million for the seventh phase of a nine-phase project at this small hub airport. A temporary runway will be built while Runway 17/35 is rebuilt and relocated.

A $60 million grant to Chicago O’Hare International Airport will allow the beginning of the construction phase of a new runway and will reimburse the airport for the construction of another runway commissioned in 2013.

Denver International Airport is receiving $12.4 million to renovate several airfield projects and a vehicle service road on the airport.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in Gulfport, Mississippi, will receive $3.4 million for noise mitigation measures for 347 residences near the airport. The soundproofing projects include residential sound insulation and easement acquisition to comply with the airport’s approved noise compatibility program.

Huntsville International-Carl T. Jones Field in Huntsville, Alabama will receive $5.5 million to fund the construction of a new parallel Taxiway C to enhance safety by reducing mid-field runway crossings by cargo aircraft.

Salt Lake City International Airport is receiving $7.3 million to renovate Runway 14/32 and its lighting.