FLL Tapped for $50 Million FAA Grant for Infrastructure Upgrades

The Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) is pleased to announce it received notification on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that a $50 million grant has been awarded to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) as part of nearly $1 billion in funding under the FY 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) competitive Airport Terminal Program (ATP).

This multimillion-dollar BIL-ATP grant will fund a portion of FLL's Terminal Connectors project, which consists of the construction of enclosed post-security walkways between Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 2 and 3. The project also includes modifications to existing terminals, such as enhanced security checkpoints, an upgraded bag hall, an expanded passenger gate-area hold room, and more retail concessions.

"We're elated to receive news of this signature federal funding allocation for FLL - the largest grant allocation among the 114 U.S. airports awarded on Thursday," said Mark Gale, BCAD CEO/Director of Aviation. "It took a lot of effort and collaborative work on multiple levels to position our airport to qualify for this significant grant, and I'd like to thank everyone involved." 

The estimated $260 million Terminal Connectors project is now targeted for completion in late 2027. Key project funding partners include the FAA, FLL's signatory airlines, and the Florida Department of Transportation. 

"The two new terminal connectors linking Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 2 and 3 will be game changers for FLL," Gale added. "When completed, all airport terminals will be connected post-security, enabling passengers to move freely throughout the secured areas without exiting and re-entering a security checkpoint." 

In addition to enhancing the ease of movement and connectivity between FLL's four terminals, the new terminal connectors will increase exposure and access to airport concessions and wayfinding and provide more flexibility with airline gate utilization to manage future growth.

"Congratulations to Broward County's Aviation Department and FLL on receiving this significant funding award. This $50 million in grant funding will go towards a massive investment into our airport's infrastructure, which is one of the County's most important economic engines," Broward County Mayor Nan Rich said. "I would like to thank the group of legislators on both sides of the aisle, for their support of FLL and their hard work to pass this bill. I want to especially thank Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose district includes our airport. She has continually shown her leadership on infrastructure issues for Broward County." 

"This federal grant is an incredible win for FLL, helping facilitate the completion of our airport's new terminal connectors, which will be great infrastructure enhancements that will benefit the traveling public," noted County Administrator Monica Cepero.