Five airports in western Alaska will receive federal funding to upgrade snow removal equipment, thanks to the latest round of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants announced on July 26.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the following grants:
- Deering: $450,000 for reconstructing snow removal equipment.
- Elim: $459,375 for reconstructing snow removal equipment.
- Nome: $1,000,000 for reconstructing snow removal equipment and aircraft rescue and fire fighting. Additional $875,000 awarded for discretionary spending.
- St. Michael: $459,375 for reconstructing snow removal equipment.
- Teller: $459,375 for reconstructing snow removal equipment.
A representative from the Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed that reconstruction typically entails replacing the equipment entirely.
Snow removal equipment for airports are typically purchased with FAA funds along with state-matched funding. The grants are applied for annually.
U.S. Congresswoman Mary Peltola celebrated the allocation of funds in a press release issued on August 6.
“This funding will help strengthen the airport infrastructure on which we rely so heavily in Alaska. Roughly 85% of Alaskan communities aren’t on the road system–we need to make sure our airports are safe and efficient.”
- Mary Peltola, U.S. Representative for Alaska
In addition to the snow removal equipment, Nome will also benefit from funding for the reconstruction of aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment.
While the grants have been awarded, new equipment will likely take several years to arrive due to the time required to order, build, and ship the heavy machinery. The complete list of AIP grants awarded across the state can be found on the FAA’s website.
