FAA Awards $100 Million to Enhance Runway Safety at Airports

The FAA has announced the allocation of over $100 million in funding to address runway incursions at 12 airports. The funds will support various projects aimed at enhancing safety, including taxiway reconfigurations, installation of airfield lighting, and construction of new taxiways. The funding originates from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Shannetta Griffin, FAA Associate Administrator, highlighted the importance of addressing complex layouts that can lead to confusion among pilots and airport users. "This funding will facilitate the reconfiguration of intricate taxiway and runway intersections, reducing incursions and enhancing the safety of the National Airspace System," Griffin stated.

Several airports will benefit from the funding, including Tucson International Airport (KTUS), San Diego International Airport (KSAN), Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS), Republic Airport (KFRG), and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (KSJC). In response to a series of significant runway incursions earlier this year, the FAA organized a safety summit in March. The agency has also implemented various runway safety technologies, such as runway status lights, the Airport Surface Detection Equipment, Model X (ASDE-X) radar surveillance system, and ASDE-X taxiway arrival prediction.