CALIFORNIA AIRPORT SUSTAINABILITY AMPED UP THROUGH FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $20.4 million in grants aimed at the development of sustainable initiatives to improve air quality at airports along with the reduction of aviation-related emissions. The award includes $5.9 million of funding to support the purchase of zero-emission airport vehicles with $4.5 million fully funded by the FAA and $1.4 million provided through the American Rescue Plan Act. The reduction of airport emissions will be targeted with $14.5 million to support several grants designed to electrify portable cooling units that supply air conditioning for planes parked at a gate.

Three airports in California will directly benefit from the recent award to help secure their contributions toward building a more sustainable aviation system. The John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California will receive $1 million for a 35-foot electric shuttle bus and charging station. The Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma Airport will acquire two mobile ground power units with the use of $220,411. San Diego International Airport will also receive $3.9 million for the purchase and installation of 39 dual-port charging stations for electric ground support equipment.