The Airport Improvement Program is a grant that public agencies and private airport
owners can utilize for funding anything from capital projects like runways, to airport safety
improvement projects. The program was initially authorized by the Federal Airport Act of 1946,
with funding coming from the general fund of the US Treasury. The program has since been
changed and modified over time, most recently becoming known as the Airport Improvement
Program which was established by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Following
the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, the AIP was amended to have funding be
drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust fund, which is supported by “user fees, fuel taxes, and
other similar revenue sources.” (
Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
).
AIP funds can be used for a wide range of projects. According to the FAA’s website
detailing the program, eligible projects can include projects “related to enhancing airport safety,
capacity, security, and environmental concerns. In general, sponsors can get AIP funds for most
airfield capital improvements or rehabilitation projects and in some specific situations, for
terminals, hangars, and nonaviation development. Certain professional services that are
necessary for eligible projects (such as planning, surveying, and design) can also be eligible. The
FAA must be able to determine that the projects are justified based on civil aeronautical
demand.” (
Airport Improvement Program (AIP)
). These projects must also meet the
environmental and procurement requirements set at the federal level.
In order for an airport to be eligible for funding, it must be a public-use airport which is
open to the public. It must also be publicly owned, or privately owned but designated by the FAA
as a reliever, or privately owned by having scheduled service and at least 2500 annual
enplanements. The airport must also be included in the NPIAS, which is prepared and published
every 2 years. The NPIAS “identifies public-use airports that are important to public
