Discussion: Airport Improvements
The U.S. government assesses user taxes from airlines and passengers and uses that money to fund Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The AIP can fund up to 75% or 80% of the cost of airport projects.
Access the FAA website, and select the Airports tab. From there, choose "Airport Improvement Program," and select "2018 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grants" or "2018-2020 Supplemental Appropriation." Then download the PDF files for the List of 2018 Grants or Supplemental Projects. Scan through these lists, and select an airport project that interests you (maybe a local airport), and dig a little deeper into the project - maybe check the airport's website, newspapers, and magazines, or even call the airport manager.
Write a short description (200-300 words) of the project, the funding, and other details about the project that you can find. Questions you might research:
• Will the improvement affect the airport's capacity (number of flights, number of gates, passenger throughput, parking, car rental facilities, restaurants, security, etc.)?
• What percent of the cost is the grant covering?
• What is the timeline of the project?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.