The SLO County Airport (SBP) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $3.5 million grant by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s $2 billion in airport infrastructure funding. This grant will support innovative demonstration testing of three PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation technologies for both soil and water, advancing efforts to mitigate environmental and health risks posed by these persistent chemicals.
PFAS contamination, often stemming from firefighting foams, poses significant long-term risks to water, soil, and public health. With this grant, SBP will implement testing of state-of-the-art PFAS treatment systems, enhancing the airport's sustainability and commitment to environmental stewardship.
"Our airports are critical hubs for our local economies, tourism, commerce, and recreation. I'm proud to see this critical investment delivered to SLO County airport to help them exist in harmony with the surrounding community," said Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24). "As a member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I have been working every single week to help SLO County Airport mitigate and remediate risks posted by PFAS chemicals – and this grant is the latest investment is proof of that work. This spring, I helped get this AIP grant program renewed to keep investments for these and other needs coming to Central Coast airports to manage their needs and help them tackle their safety, sustainability, and operational challenges."
“We are deeply grateful to both Congressman Carbajal for his steadfast commitment to the residents of San Luis Obispo County, and to the FAA for awarding this critical grant,” said County of San Luis Obispo Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg (District 3). “Congressman Carbajal's leadership has been instrumental in securing the resources we need to address PFAS contamination, and the FAA’s support will allow us to take important steps in protecting our environment and community. This grant is a reflection of their dedication to ensuring the health and safety of our region.”
“We are grateful to the FAA for this investment in our ongoing PFAS remediation efforts,” said Courtney Johnson, Director of SLO County Airport. “This funding allows us to continue addressing these critical environmental challenges and protect our community.”
This grant is part of the FAA’s broader initiative to address the environmental impacts of PFAS at airports nationwide, ensuring airports lead the way in sustainability and safety.