City Awarded $7 Million in Grants to Improve Streets and Airport
Published on September 09, 2024
San Antonio Awarded $7 Million in Grants to Improve Streets and San Antonio International Airport
SAN ANTONIO (September 9, 2024) — The City of San Antonio was awarded three grants worth $7 million to enhance and improve street projects and the San Antonio International Airport. This funding will allow the City to continue projects within the Vision Zero Plan, which aims to end traffic deaths and enhance the safety of our transportation system. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grants will also allow the San Antonio International Airport to add airport safety enhancements and help with parking relocation for a future added terminal.
"This is part of a multi-year strategy to pursue federal funding for local priorities through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act and other opportunities from the federal government," City Manager Erik Walsh said. "Congratulations to the members of the City team who have successfully drawn down more funding for our community, and many thanks to our representatives in Washington who continue to advocate for San Antonio."
SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL (SS4A) GRANT
The City received $520,000 for the Quick Builds for Safe Communities program as part of the FY 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant opportunity. This funding will help advance the City’s commitment to safety, equity, and innovation, as outlined in its 2016 Vision Zero Plan, the ongoing Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP) Update, and the Bike Network Plan (BNP).
"Safer streets are some of the most important investments we can make,” said U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, who supported the City’s application and helped push for the U.S. Department of Transportation grant. “Over the last eight years, San Antonio's Vision Zero Action Plan has led to much-needed progress to prevent crashes and build a safer transportation network. As we work toward zero traffic deaths, I was proud to work with the City of San Antonio to get this $520,000 grant for the Quick Builds for Safe Communities program. I'm excited to see the immediate benefit of these pilot projects for our city."
The Quick Builds for Safe Communities initiative is designed to enhance safety and mobility through rapid, low-cost roadway improvements. By piloting and testing various safety measures recommended in the VZAP and BNP, this program will allow for real-time data collection, public input, and flexible adaptation before permanent infrastructure investments are made.
The City’s Transportation Department will contribute an additional $130,000, creating a total investment of $650,000 in Quick Builds.
FAA AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP) ENTITLEMENT GRANT
The City received a $1.5 million grant for the Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP) from the FAA. This grant develops a preliminary engineering report to support the airfield safety enhancement program. The project is designed to improve the primary runway, further operational safety and efficiency, and enhance resiliency against flood inundation. It will advance the ASEIP by identifying safety, standards, and resiliency improvements to infrastructure to increase airfield operational resiliency, reduce airspace congestion, and reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption.
FAA AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AIP) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCRETIONARY RELOCATION GRANT
The City also received a $5 million grant that will be used to relocate the parking lot from the West side of the San Antonio International Airport to the South side to prepare for the new terminal facility. This money is funded through the Fiscal Year 2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The improvements are part of Phase 3 in the airport’s Terminal Development Plan, in which the overarching goals include the development of a state-of-the-art terminal facility that is more energy efficient and resilient.
These programs align with the City’s broader focus on transportation equity, enhanced multimodal connectivity, and improved community health and vitality. By directly involving residents in the planning and feedback process, San Antonio can better respond to the needs of its diverse population, ensuring that roadway improvements meet the highest safety standards while reflecting public input.