An additional $15 million in federal funding has been earmarked for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported.
According to the station, it’s the second consecutive year in which the airport received money from the $1 billion bipartisan infrastructure law. Approximately $17 million went to AUS after President Joe Biden signed the measure, KXAN reported.
Citing the White House, the station reported that as one of the 85 airports to be allocated funding through the infrastructure law, AUS will apply its share to increasing its capacity in preparation for an eventual transition from a medium hub to a large hub.
While AUS has seen passenger volume rebound since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has grappled with long lines that seemingly stretch outside of its two terminals, Austin Journal reported.
According to KXAN, the money will help the airport improve mechanisms that assist the hearing impaired, systems that guide people through a space, multi-lingual assistance, assistive care restrooms and facility wide compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“While our most immediate need has been for more Transportation Service Administration (TSA) resources to prevent more long lines and baggage issues, these infrastructure funds will help in expanding our airport to meet the demands of both our growing population and our growing role as an international gateway city,” U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) said in a press release issued by his office.
KXAN reported that AUS’s 2024 master plan for expansion includes upgrades to Barbara Jordan Terminal and the construction of a new central utility plant, electrical substation and midfield concourse with over 10 new gates, taxiways and tunnels.
A press release from the City of Austin said that 2,021,747 passengers traveled through AUS in May, an approximately 83% jump from May 2021.
The figure set a new record for the busiest month ever at the airport, per the city.