Article Summary –
In the past year, 84 airports in Wisconsin have received over $117 million in federal funding through the FAA’s Airport Infrastructure Grant program, made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in 2021. Major airports like Milwaukee Mitchell International and smaller ones like Hartford Municipal have benefited from these grants, which are part of a $25 billion national investment aimed at improving air traffic control systems, terminal expansions, and baggage system upgrades. The funding has been politically divisive, with Senator Tammy Baldwin and other Democrats supporting it for its economic benefits, whereas Senator Ron Johnson and Wisconsin’s Republican representatives opposed it due to concerns about excessive spending.
In the past year, 84 airports in Wisconsin have received FAA Airport Infrastructure Grant funding for safety and infrastructure improvements.
“Americans are flying in record numbers, and the Biden-Harris Administration continues to invest in our airports to make travel safer and more convenient,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a July 1 statement announcing the latest national airport funding.
The program is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. Since then, Wisconsin has received over $117 million for its airports.
For the 2024 fiscal year, Milwaukee Mitchell International, Dane County Regional, and Appleton International will receive the largest grants. Smaller airports like Hartford Municipal and Wittman Regional in Oshkosh also benefit.
The infrastructure law includes $25 billion for airport infrastructure. The grants will fund air traffic control system improvements, terminal expansions, and baggage system upgrades.
According to a 2023 presentation by the Wisconsin Economic Development Association, the state’s eight airports with passenger service have a significant economic impact, employing 77,000 workers and contributing $9.2 billion to the state’s output.
In an April 2024 statement, Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin said federal funding boosts tourism, job growth, and economic expansion for Wisconsin airports.
“This funding will allow our rural airports to make much-needed infrastructure improvements, enhancing safety and efficiency,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin, along with Wisconsin’s three Democratic representatives, voted for the infrastructure bill. Her Republican counterpart, Sen. Ron Johnson, and Wisconsin’s five Republican representatives in the House voted against it.
According to data from the White House, $6.6 billion from the law has been announced for over 510 projects in Wisconsin. Besides airport improvements, the funding covers road and bridge repairs, water infrastructure, clean energy buses, pollution cleanup, and an electric vehicle charging network.
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