Bennet, Hickenlooper Welcome New Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for Colorado Airports

Denver International Airport and Durango-La Plata County Airport to Receive Funding from the Airport Terminal Program To Improve Terminal Buildings

Washington, D.C. – Today, Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper welcomed new funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) for Denver International Airport and Durango-La Plata County Airport. Under the Airport Terminal Program (ATP), Denver International Airport will receive $60 million, which is the largest single airport discretionary grant awarded in the country for the ATP, to replace aging infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and upgrades which will increase terminal capacity to accommodate 100 million annual passengers. The Durango-La Plata County Airport will receive $3.2 million to provide additional capacity, improve energy efficiency, and increase ADA compliance for passengers. 

“This bipartisan infrastructure law funding will help DIA and DRO continue to effectively serve Colorado’s growing communities and bolster our state’s economy,” said Bennet. 

“Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is helping Denver International Airport and Durango-La Plata County Airport increase flights, create jobs, and soar to new heights,” said Hickenlooper.

“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,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“On behalf of DEN, I want to thank Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for their support. We are excited to be a part of this historic funding bill that is helping update infrastructure across the country and funding critical projects to modernize airports,” said Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington. “This funding goes a long way in helping to prepare DEN to serve 100 million annual passengers in the next eight to 10 years.”

The funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the BIL. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.

In December, Bennet and Hickenlooper welcomed $86 million in funding for Colorado airports for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) from the BIL. Including the initial allocation for FY22, Colorado will receive roughly $430 million for airports over the next five years.

More information about the Airport Terminal Program grants are available HERE