Three Maine airports have received a combined $18,024,800 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fiscal Year 2024 Airport Terminal Program to make “critical infrastructure improvements.”
$10.4 million was given to the Portland International Jetport, $6.5 million to the Presque Isle International Airport, and $1,124,800 to the Eastport Municipal Airport.
The grant that was awarded to the Portland Jetport will be used to fund the installation of new passenger boarding bridges and fixed bridge extensions from the terminal building.
The Jetport will also use these funds to construct a new concourse, public restroom, “adjacent gender-neutral bathrooms, adult changing space, a pet relief area, and an expansion of the hold room.”
The Presque Isle Airport’s award will be used to build a new terminal superstructure and building enclosure in an effort to “bring the airport into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, improve energy efficiency, and expand safety features.”
The Eastport Municipal Airport intends to use its funding to construct a new terminal to replace the existing building.
“Maine’s airports are vital pieces of our state’s transportation network that promote job creation and economic development,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said in a press release Monday. “Throughout our state, airports play a critical role not only in carrying residents and visitors, but also in facilitating medical services for those in rural communities in emergencies when seconds count.”
“These significant investments will allow airports across Maine to make much-needed improvements to their infrastructure, improving the safety and efficiency of their operations, while enhancing passengers’ overall experience,” Sen. Collins said.
Click Here to Read Sen. Collins’ Full Press Release
“Thanks to the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, airport terminals across the nation are being modernized and improved to be safer, more sustainable, and more accessible,” Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) said in a Tuesday press release. “Whether visitors coming to our great state or Mainers returning home from away, it’s important our airports meet the needs of modern travelers.”
“This significant federal funding for terminal improvements will help the Portland Jetport better accommodate its many travelers and address glaring needs to increase gate accessibility,” Rep. Pingree said.
Click Here to Read Rep. Pingree’s Full Press Release
The FAA’s multi-billion Airport Terminal Program was initially funded through the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
