FAA Announces $9.2 million In Recovery Act Projects For
Atlanta
The FAA says more than $9 million in upgrades funded by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will make flights at
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport safer, more
efficient and more reliable.
“These projects are just a few examples of the terrific
work being done around the country thanks to the Recovery
Act,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood late last
week. “Construction workers and engineers are helping to
modernize and repair our nation’s commercial and general
aviation airports.”
On Friday, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt marked the beginning
of a $5 million ARRA project to install a new approach lighting
system for Runway 27L. The new lighting system will provide visual
information to pilots as they approach the runway in bad weather.
It will improve airport capacity, operational capability and
safety.
“Landing is one of the most critical phases of flight.
This approach lighting system will give pilots an extra layer of
safety,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “The
Recovery Act is responsible for safety enhancements and upgrades at
airports and FAA facilities nationwide.”
The Recovery Act also funded an additional $4.2 million in
upgrades to aviation facilities around the Atlanta area.
More than $1.5 million in ARRA funds went to install a new
engine generator system for the FAA’s airport traffic control
tower. The tower now has two engine generator systems, which will
ensure essential back-up power for air traffic control operations
at the world’s busiest airport. The system will provide
highly reliable on-site power if both commercial power sources
feeding the air traffic control tower fail during severe weather in
Atlanta. The tower can operate all air traffic equipment at full
capacity and with high reliability on the engine generator.
ARRA also funded a $2.6 million power distribution system for
the National Network Control Center (NNCC) in Hampton, GA, which
processes pilot flight plans. The new power system is comprised of
two commercial power feeds, a standby generator, two
uninterruptible power systems with battery back-ups and a power
distribution system. Maintaining a fully-functioning NNCC is
critical to efficient operation of the national airspace
system.
Under ARRA, $1.3 billion has been made available nationwide for
both airport improvement projects and air traffic control facility
and system upgrades. Because of low construction bids for projects,
more Recovery Act dollars were available for additional facilities
and equipment and airport projects. ARRA grants have been
distributed to airports that serve commercial passengers, cargo and
general aviation.