$67.5 billion.
That’s the total estimated cost of airport capital development projects needed between 2025 and 2029, according to the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems report to Congress. What’s more astonishing: Those costs only reflect the development projects the FAA has deemed eligible for funding and justified within the five-year time frame. Evidence shows that planned development exceeds the $4 billion of funding available from the FAA each year. In fact, a recent Aviation Week article notes that while the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program will come to around $12 billion per year in 2025 and 2026, a survey indicates there could be as much as $151 billion in total projects that need financing at airports across the U.S. over the 2023–28 period.
At Hanson, we recognize that securing grant funding is essential for communities looking to make the most of their resources and invest in vital projects. Grants provide the financial support needed to execute important initiatives and help stretch local budgets, allowing for a more significant impact. Our team has a proven approach for guiding communities through the grant application process, helping you identify the best opportunities and craft compelling justifications. By partnering with Hanson, you can navigate the complexities of grant funding, significantly enhance your project’s potential and empower your airport to flourish.
In this time of uncertain program and funding availability, Hanson’s experienced team of grant professionals can give you the advantage you need to help you meet your airport’s development goals. Our staff has developed this five-step process and is prepared to partner with you for:
Funding needs analysis and strategic outreach
We collaborate with airport leadership to identify and review grant funding needs; assess current funding priority areas; identify new priority areas for funding and grant proposals based on funding viability; and assist with the creation of comprehensive funding strategies combining grants, local revenues and appropriations.
Project grant research and matchmaking
Your opportunity for landing a grant depends on thorough research. To improve your chances, we put in the time to identify potential funding from sources including federal, state and local governments, foundations, agencies and organizations that can support your funding needs and priorities and will provide summaries of potential funding opportunities related to your priority areas.
Project-specific grant strategy
Our outlines detailed project timelines, phasing options and long- and short-term funding strategies, evaluating the pros and cons of a wide range of funding sources for ideal resource allocation. Many federal programs are highly competitive, and not all good projects get selected. To better your chances, we are prepared to work with you and your team for application readiness.
Grant proposal development
Once we’ve determined which grant opportunities offer the best potential, we offer custom, tiered grant application writing services that include preparing the full application packet so it’s ready to submit; reviewing, editing and polishing an application you’ve prepared; or a review-and-comment session if you just want a second set of eyes before you submit. We offer any combination of our services to best suit the level of support you need.
Grant administration
Our comprehensive grant administration services can include but are not limited to coordinating with grant agencies, checking compliance with program guidelines, managing funds, assisting with audits, facilitating public meetings and preparing required progress reports and project closeout submissions. Hanson’s staff includes former local, state and federal agency professionals with firsthand experience of all aspects of grant management and administration.
Here are some action steps for application readiness that can give your project the best chance of being selected for funding:
- Contact us to discuss the potential for grant funding to achieve your future project needs.
- Begin environmental assessments, planning and conceptual design to get your project as close to shovel-ready as possible.
- Include your project in your master plan and other relevant plans, such as economic and capital improvement. These documents show the recognition of and the need for the project.
- Form a task force or committee to discuss the project and use input to develop the project.
- Hold public meetings to discuss and gather input on the project.
- Establish project partnerships with the private and public sector to strengthen your application.
- Garner political support for your application at all levels of government, from local to federal.
Plan now for success, and your airport will achieve its goals. We are here to help!
Kyle Dorf is an associate project manager specializing in airport planning for Hanson. He can be reached at kdorf@hanson-inc.com. Mandi Tucker is a grant specialist for Hanson. She can be reached at mtucker2@hanson-inc.com.