ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport will receive $50 million in grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration as part of airport assistance flowing out of last year’s infrastructure act.
The announcement Thursday put Orlando’s airport among the top winners of FAA grants totaling $1 billion for 85 airports. The $50 million is to help complete Orlando International’s south terminal, which is scheduled to open in September.
“In considering the growth we’ve seen in this community and this airport, they recognized the grant was much needed,” said Kevin Thibault, chief executive officer at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which runs the international airport.
In Florida, Gainesville Regional will get $1.7 million and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is to receive $10 million.
The grants are meant to expand or improve terminals, build air traffic control towers, improve access to airports, including those serving historically disadvantaged populations, and provide better access for people with disabilities.
The largest grant at $60 million is for an overhaul of Denver International’s baggage system. Boston’s airport also received a $50 million grant.
The $50 million grant coupled with the region’s economic rebound positions Orlando International Airport for a run of expansion and improvements that seemed all but impossible during the pandemic’s toughest months.
“This is a resilient airport and a resilient community,” Thibault said.
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