LA, Valley and OC airports to share millions in Build Back Better funding

LOS ANGELES — LAX will receive over $79 million from the federal infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed into law last month, the largest share of more than $294 million going to 167 airports across California, the state’s two Democratic senators announced Thursday.

Other Southern California airports will each get amounts ranging from $295,000 to $11.6 millionbiden.

“We are already seeing the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including in these investments in California’s airports,” Sen. Alex Padilla said. “Upgrading terminals, runway renovations, and other improvements at California airports will create good-paying construction jobs and help our tourism industry rebound as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The money will be distributed trough the Department of Transportation. The Federal Aviation Administration will allocate an additional $12 billion nationwide in airport infrastructure improvements provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill over the next several years.

The law also provides $5 billion in additional grant funding for terminal development projects and $5 billion to improve air traffic control infrastructure.

“California’s economy is the fifth largest in the world, but our infrastructure — including our airports — lags behind,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein said. “… This funding will improve facilities, update technology and make flying more efficient, safer and comfortable for Californians. We must continue these types of critical investments in our infrastructure if we’re to remain competitive and continue to create jobs and economic opportunities. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”

Aside from the $79,278,162 going to LAX, other Southern California airports are in line for the following amounts:

— John Wayne Airport (Orange County): $11,573,206

— Hollywood Burbank: $7,956,710

— Long Beach Airport: $6,121,584

— Van Nuys Airport: $763,000

— San Gabriel Valley Airport (El Monte): $295,000

— Fullerton Municipal Airport: $295,000

Source: Orange County Register