San Antonio Airports Set to Soar with New Funding
Exciting news is coming out of San Antonio as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a whopping nearly $1 billion to be shared among 125 airports across the country, including our very own Kelly Field Airport. This funding is part of President Biden’s Infrastructure Law and aims to revitalize our nation’s airports while ensuring families save money, jobs are created, and the overall economy gets a boost.
What Does the Funding Mean?
On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Transportation made the announcement about the funding, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stating, “With the grants we’re announcing today, we’re helping modernize 125 airports across the country in order to make their operations safer, more accessible, and more convenient for travelers.”
For Kelly Field Airport at Port San Antonio, this means a substantial $2.8 million will be dedicated to developing a brand-new 39,770-square-foot consolidated facilities terminal. Along with this exciting development, the project will also include a dedicated terminal access road and essential water utility lines.
Connecting the Dots
Jim Perschbach, President and CEO at Port San Antonio, expressed gratitude for the grant, noting, “We greatly appreciate the steadfast support of the FAA, the administration and our congressional delegation for this award.” This funding is not just another piece of financial help; it symbolizes the constructive collaboration between public and private sectors aimed at transforming San Antonio into a key innovation hub.
Perschbach highlighted the vision of a state-of-the-art facility that will include a vertiport, which is set to play a significant role in the future of transportation. The vertiport will be a testing ground for the new generation of electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), commonly known as “air taxis.” This cutting-edge project places San Antonio on the map for technological advancements and modern travel possibilities.
Funding Breakdown
This funding for airport terminals is just one segment of the broader Airport Terminal Program, which came to life thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This law promises $1 billion annually over the next five years to improve airport infrastructure, totaling an impressive $25 billion dedicated to this crucial area.
What’s Next?
For those curious about the distribution of funds, more information is available through the official press release that details how much each airport is receiving. As the funding starts rolling out, travelers can expect safer, more modernized airports that enhance their overall experience.
A Bright Future Ahead
As San Antonio gears up for these exciting changes at Kelly Field Airport, the community can look forward to a future filled with innovation and connectivity. This funding not only represents a financial boost but also a vision of what’s possible when collaboration meets ambition.
While we sit back to witness the transformation of our local airport, it’s reassuring to know that San Antonio is on its way to becoming a significant player in the aviation landscape, embracing new technologies and providing better travel for all.
