State/Local Airport Improvement Program

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP), administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provides federal aid to eligible airports for development projects that enhance the safety, capacity, and environmental sustainability of the national airport system. Backed by Public Law 115-254 and Public Law 115-141, this program is designed to support a nationwide infrastructure of public-use airports capable of meeting current and future demands in civil aeronautics. The AIP focuses on long-term economic benefits through targeted investments in airport infrastructure, environmental protection, and public safety. Eligible applicants include public agencies such as states, counties, municipalities, U.S. territories, Native American tribes, and other authorized public entities. Private owners of public-use reliever airports or those with a minimum of 2,500 annual enplanements and scheduled service may also qualify. Applicants must demonstrate inclusion in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), be listed in Illinois’ Aviation System Plan, maintain public ownership, and comply with federal grant assurances and Illinois’ Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Projects funded through the AIP include runway reconstruction, taxiway construction, installation of noise mitigation systems, acquisition of safety equipment such as fire trucks and snow removal vehicles, and enhancements to airport infrastructure. Pre-application requirements include environmental assessments, and applicants must submit Form SF-424 and FAA Form 5100-101 depending on the project scope. Grant offers are managed through FAA Regional and District offices, with an emphasis on projects that enhance system efficiency and accommodate projected aeronautical growth. Sponsors are required to notify the FAA annually by May of their intent to apply, as reinforced by a Federal Register notice. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but formal grant acceptance is required by September 30 of the fiscal year. Award determinations are typically made within 90 to 120 days. Cost-sharing is mandatory, with local matching requirements ranging from 5% to 25%, and in some pilot studies up to 50%, depending on federal legislative criteria. Project sponsors must monitor and report on project progress using FAA-specified forms, including the quarterly Form 5370-1 for construction, and regular performance reports for planning activities. All recipients are subject to audits and must maintain accounting records for three years post-final report submission. Airport layout plans must be retained for the life of the grant agreement, typically 20 years. Program accomplishments demonstrate a broad impact on safety, capacity, and economic vitality at regional and national levels.

Projects must be listed in NPIAS and comply with FAA grant assurances; early FAA coordination is advised; performance reporting is quarterly and mandatory.