U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) this week announced that two airports in her home state of Nebraska recently received federal grant awards totaling more than $21.4 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“This is yet another exciting development for travelers and our state’s economy,” said Sen. Fischer, who serves on the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
The funds are made possible by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which President Joe Biden signed into law in November 2021 to provide new funding for infrastructure projects, including airports, among many others.
The FAA Airport Terminal Program grants were awarded to Nebraska’s Omaha Eppley Airport, which will receive $20.9 million, and the Lincoln Airport, which will receive $414,900.
“The infrastructure bill has already brought over a billion dollars to Nebraska to help revitalize our aging transportation network,” Sen. Fischer said. “At Eppley Airport, this $20.9 million grant will help upgrade the terminal and increase capacity. At the Lincoln Airport, this $415,000 grant will support terminal enhancements and help address screening area constraints.”
To date, according to Sen. Fischer’s staff, Nebraska has received $1.25 billion from the enacted law, including: $904 million for roads, bridges, roadway safety, and major projects; $75 million for clean and safe drinking water; and $43.6 million to replace and modernize airports.
Nebraska airport officials thanked Sen. Fischer for supporting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“The efforts of Senator Fischer in the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are greatly appreciated, as this funding will create many benefits here in Nebraska for travelers who fly through Eppley Airfield,” said Dave Roth, chief executive officer of the Omaha Airport Authority. “Nebraska travelers and visitors will benefit from this good news with increased capacity, improved throughput, and an enhanced customer experience for decades to come.”
David Haring, executive director of the Lincoln Airport, said the revitalization and modernization of the terminal building at the airport is a critical component of the facility’s long-range strategic plan.
“The recently awarded grant will further cement the ability of the terminal to serve the airport for decades to come,” Haring said. “We appreciate the efforts of Senator Fischer in helping to provide critical infrastructure to the residents of Lincoln and southeast Nebraska.”
Both Nebraska projects were selected as part of the competitive discretionary grant made through the fiscal year 2022 BIL Airport Terminal Program, which provides funding specifically designated to upgrade, modernize, and rebuild the nation’s airport terminals and sponsor-owned Air Traffic Control Towers, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.