Governor Roy Cooper and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that four North Carolina airports will get federal grants of nearly $1 billion. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides these funds to upgrade 114 airports nationwide. The goal is to cater to increased air travel, enhance passenger experience, and generate jobs. The announcement was made at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The grants will benefit airports in Charlotte, the Triangle, Wilmington, and Spruce Pine, with a total award of $45 million. The money will fund improvements like replacing passenger board bridges, enlarging security checkpoints and baggage claim areas, and building new terminals.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport will get the most funding, with $27 million for replacing up to 16 passenger board bridges and related equipment. Raleigh-Durham International Airport will get $12 million for Terminal 2 security checkpoint, baggage claim, and federal inspection station expansion.
Wilmington International Airport will get $4 million for terminal access road and terminal curb front expansion and realignment. Avery County Airport in Spruce Pine will get $2 million for a new general aviation terminal building.