Demolition of the pedestrian bridge at the San Diego Airport’s Terminal 1. Image from airport video
San Diego International Airport will get $24 million as part of a $1 billion program to improve the terminals at 85 airports across the country, it was announced Thursday.
The grants are to be used to expand service, increase energy efficiency, promote competition and provide greater accessibility for individuals with disabilities, according to a statement from the White House Press Office.
“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand. Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
San Diego’s airport will receive $24 million for demolition of the Terminal 1 building now underway and construction of Phase 1a, with 19 gates, of a new Terminal 1, connected apron, roadway and walkway improvements.
“These funds are crucial to our continued efforts to transform San Diego’s air transportation gateway,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority president and CEO. “This grant money will be used for the New T1 program. We thank the Federal Aviation Administration for awarding the funds.”
LAX will receive $50 million for reconstruction and modernization of the terminal roadway system, including reconfiguration of the LAX CTA entrance.
“This new funding will move construction projects forward to modernize and improve the accessibility of some of our largest airports, and create good-paying jobs,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “This is a win for Californians and the millions who come from around the world each year to visit the Golden State.”
City News Service contributed to this article.
Updated 6:45 p.m. July 7, 2022