More than $12 million in federal grants to fund sustainability projects at Bush and Hobby airports

The supplemental grants will fund actionable steps for Houston Airports to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve energy efficiency.

July 27, 2023

HOUSTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded Houston Airports about $12.5 million under the FY2022 Airport Improvement Program Supplemental Discretionary Grant Competition. To be eligible, airports needed to meet certain criteria for airport construction projects, associated airport capital planning, noise planning and noise mitigation projects, and energy and environmental sustainability projects. 
 
The FAA received 453 applications and was able to fund - in whole or in part - 79 projects for approximately $268 million. 

George Bush Intercontinental Airport received $10,375,000 for two projects: the replacement of existing generators supporting the South Utility Vault to improve safety, resiliency, and efficiency on the airfield; and an energy audit that will assess opportunities for energy and water use efficiencies and define actionable steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the airfield and the airport's buildings. 

William P. Hobby Airport received $2,100,000 million for three projects: a Resiliency Master Plan that will assess how the airport can incorporate the FAA's climate challenge guidance to mitigate impacts of climate change and severe weather in this flood-prone region to enhance safety and operational resiliency in a cost-efficient and sustainable manner; an energy audit that will assess opportunities for energy and water use efficiencies and define actionable steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the airfield and the airport's buildings; and a Resiliency Master Plan that will assess how the airport can incorporate the FAA's climate challenge guidance to mitigate impacts of climate change and severe weather in this flood-prone region to enhance safety and operational resiliency in a cost-efficient and sustainable manner. 

“Houston Airports is committed to reducing our environmental impact while also protecting the planet as we expand our global reach. These FAA grants fund our ability to invest in smart and sustainable solutions” said Jim Szczesniak, Chief Operating Officer for Houston Airports. “The end result of these projects will be a more resilient, efficient and sustainable airport system that aligns with the goal of Houston Airports to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.”  

 All Supplemental funds will be awarded by September 30, 2024.