Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Awarded $39 Million by FAA for Expansion Projects
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) will receive $39.1 million in federal funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. This significant allocation will support two vital near-term and long-term improvement projects, which will enhance the airport's ability to continue meeting the needs of its passengers and stakeholders. “Our Airport is once again in the spotlight, which is such great news for our community,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “Not only did we experience more passengers travelling through AUS in 2023 compared to any other year prior, we are now poised to help ensure much-needed funding for critical projects that will elevate our airport into a world-class hub with top-tier infrastructure. This funding enables us to continue the transformative work of our Airport Expansion and Development Program, ensuring excellence for our travelers and community for years to come.” “I'm proud to echo our unwavering support for the transformative journey underway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The collaborative efforts between local and federal government, alongside numerous city departments, underscore our shared commitment to progress and innovation,” said Interim City Manager, Jesús Garza. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to advance these critical improvements.” A total of $14.25 million will fund the design of AUS's new Concourse B, currently in the pre-design phase. As the airport continues collaborating with its airline partners to determine anticipated passenger activity and the number of gates needed to support the growth, the concourse is planned with a minimum of 10 gates, with room to expand up to 20. This project represents a crucial phase of Austin's Airport Expansion and Development Program, covering all aspects of passenger and tenant facilities, including boarding bridges, baggage handling systems, apron support spaces, and more. Additionally, the project involves constructing a subgrade tunnel connecting the Barbara Jordan Terminal interface to Concourse B, with provisions for future expansion to a Concourse C. The remaining $25.26 million has been allocated to fund the infill of the existing Barbara Jordan Terminal's atrium with a concrete slab at the ticketing/concourse level, which will add approximately 13,000 square feet of new terminal space. This expansion will increase the terminal's capacity for accommodating passenger traffic by providing additional space for passenger processing. The project will also include needed upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our entire federal delegation, including Congressmen Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar and Michael McCaul as well as Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn for their support in securing this critical funding. Their collaborative efforts have paved the way for transformative improvements in our city's mobility infrastructure,” said Robert Goode, Assistant City Manager "AUS is both grateful and excited to be awarded this FAA funding, which will allow us to expedite near-term enhancements such as the Atrium Infill, while progressing on transformative, once-in-a-generation projects like the Midfield Concourse," said Ghizlane Badawi, Interim AUS Chief Executive Officer. As the airport moves forward with its ambitious Journey With AUS program, progress continues on critical improvements aimed at enhancing the traveler experience. From the groundbreaking of the new Outbound Baggage Handling System in 2022, to the commencement of the West Gate Expansion project last year, which promises new gates and passenger amenities, the airport remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and growth. Currently underway is the West Infill Project, marked by enabling work that necessitates the temporary closure of TSA Checkpoint 3 to accommodate a larger checkpoint in the making. Throughout these endeavors, customer service remains a top priority; AUS is looking ahead with optimism, working to deliver even greater excellence to its valued passengers and larger community.
