Connecticut Leaders Announce First Round of Infrastructure Funding for Airports Across the State

[HARTFORD, CT] – Connecticut leaders today announced that airports in Connecticut have been awarded nearly $12.5 million by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from the Airport Infrastructure Grants as a result of the recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This is the first of a series of grants the airports will receive over the next five years under the law.

 “The bipartisan infrastructure package is already proving to be a game-changer for Connecticut. This first round of funding for our state’s airports will help to increase flights to destinations around the world while improving safety and security and enhancing the overall customer experience. The people and businesses of Connecticut will continue to see their lives dramatically improved as a result of these historic investments in our state’s infrastructure. I am committed to fighting for every possible dollar in this package for our state,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“As people resume traveling for business and pleasure, they’re facing long lines, canceled flights, and crowded airports. Thankfully, Connecticut airports will receive more than $12 million to make improvements from the bipartisan infrastructure bill that I helped pass. This federal funding will help Connecticut airports increase their capacity, making travel much more convenient,” said Senator Chris Murphy.

“The new funding that will come to Connecticut from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will turbo-charge the ongoing Connecticut Comeback. The allocations announced today by the Federal Aviation Administration to Bradley and our general aviation airports will accelerate much-needed safety, capacity, and airfield improvements. New federal funding will complement state and private investments and make Connecticut even more competitive. I commend Connecticut’s Congressional delegation for their leadership securing these transformative investments in our airports,” Governor Ned Lamont said.

“I’m thrilled to announce that in 2022 Bradley International Airport will be receiving more than $9 million from the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport infrastructure improvements, and $45 million over the next five years. Bradley has been recognized as one of the top airports in the country and this funding will continue to help the airport and region thrive,” said Congressman John B. Larson.

“This is great news for our regional airports in Willimantic, Danielson, and Groton, and for all the local businesses and workers who utilize them. Our regional airports are responsible for helping eastern Connecticut businesses from the Quiet Corner to the Shoreline produce millions of dollars in economic output each year, and now funding through our bipartisan infrastructure bill is going to help them grow and become even more efficient—that means increased economic activity, more output, and more jobs. From increased runway capacity to overdue tarmac upgrades, our local airports have a list of projects they’re ready to get started on, and the new infrastructure bill means they can finally gear up and get going. Great to see the wheels moving forward for them and for eastern Connecticut,” said Congressman Joe Courtney.

“This is an exciting moment. After decades of disinvestment, we are able to build the architecture of our nation’s future with the swift disbursement of funds from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These funds will bring tangible changes in expanded services, airport infrastructure, and terminal enhancements to Bradley International, Tweed- New Haven, Sikorsky Memorial airports, and other airports across Connecticut, enhancing the traveler experience and creating jobs for workers. These funds make long overdue airport projects a reality, and I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to make this happen for the great state of Connecticut,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

“The $763,000 awarded to Sikorsky Airport is a significant investment that will help maintain and improve operations. As we work on the local, state, and federal level to bring commercial passenger service to Sikorsky, we will continue to secure as much funding as we can to ensure Connecticut remains as connected as possible, creating jobs and boosting the economy,” said Congressman Jim Himes.

“This funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will support the much needed improvements at airports throughout Connecticut. From airline capacity growth and new destination service, to operation improvements and workforce development, these changes will have a tremendous impact on the state,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.

“The Connecticut Airport Authority thanks the entire Connecticut delegation for their leadership and hard work to secure this historic investment in Connecticut’s airports. These funds will be put to good use at Bradley Airport building capacity for airline growth so we can continue offering service to new nonstop destinations across the country and globe. These funds will also provide for important safety and airfield investments in airports across the state. We are committed to providing the safest and most convenient airport experience possible, and today’s announcement will ensure that we are able to meet that goal now and in the future,” said CAA Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E.

Bradley International Airport will use the funds to partially fund two projects. The first will streamline the current baggage detection system, which inconveniences passengers by forcing them to carry their own checked luggage and constrains available ticket counter space. This project will also add additional gate and concession space, and it may also eventually entail the relocation of the airport’s federal inspection services facility to create a seamless terminal facility for all travelers. The second project will reimagine passenger circulation at Bradley Airport, replacing the centrally located exit lane with vertical circulation cores on each end of the terminal. This will alleviate terminal congestion by providing space to expand the footprint of the main TSA security checkpoint and conveniently route passengers more directly from their concourse to baggage claim.        

At the CAA’s general aviation airports, they plan to use the money generally to enhance airfield infrastructure and undertake other necessary safety projects.

“Improving our transportation infrastructure is vital to growing Connecticut’s economy and, thanks to the great work of our federal delegation, we will now be able to undertake additional and incredibly important projects that will help create jobs, enhance safety, protect our environment and improve the overall passenger experience here at Tweed Airport,” said Sean Scanlon, Executive Director of the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority. 

“We are excited and grateful to receive such a substantial amount of federal infrastructure funding.   Sikorsky is the second busiest airport in the State of Connecticut with airport operations and plays a critical role in supporting aviation activity for the region.  These funds will be used to evaluate and pursue coastal flooding resiliency efforts as well as opportunities to expand safety measures and optimize airport services for new and existing users,” said Michelle Muoio, Director of Bridgeport’s Sikorsky Memorial Airport.

“Danbury Airport is certainly grateful for all the hard work the Congressional delegation did to secure this funding. It will greatly benefit the airport community and be a much needed infusion of funds, to help rehabilitate a vital Taxiway. Thank you for your continued support of General Aviation,” said Michael Safranek, Danbury Municipal Airport Administrator.

“The funding under the Airport Infrastructure Grants recently enacted in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will insure that Robertson Airport will allow the Town of Plainville to make necessary improvements to service the General Aviation community.  Thank you to Senator Blumenthal and all of the Connecticut Delegation for making this much needed funding a reality,” said Robert E. Lee, Town Manager of Plainville.