The Sherrill Administration announced on April 9 that $7.3 million will be awarded through the Fiscal Year 2026 Airport Improvement Program to support projects at 11 airports across New Jersey.
The funding aims to enhance safety and improve facilities at public-use airports, which are considered important for local economies by providing transportation options for businesses, residents, and visitors.
According to New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Priya Jain, “Airport Improvement Program grants provide funding to make safety improvements at New Jersey’s public-use airports and ensure they are well maintained.” Jain also said, “General aviation airports serve as key economic engines for local communities by providing transportation opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors.”
The grants were awarded through a competitive process focused on projects that increase safety, remove obstructions, rehabilitate facilities and equipment, and support capital improvements. This year’s funded projects include airport master plan development, taxiway design and construction, lighting upgrades, obstruction removal, transient apron design and construction as well as other safety enhancements at the selected airports.
Of the total funds distributed this year—more than $6.5 million comes from state sources with an additional $800,000 in matching funds from the Federal Aviation Administration. The state is covering 90 percent of eligible project costs while airport owners contribute the remaining 10 percent.
Over the past five years, NJDOT has invested more than $31.7 million in general aviation airports throughout New Jersey. These investments have been complemented by $38.1 million in federal grants and $5.2 million from airport owners for a combined total of approximately $75 million dedicated to improving aeronautics infrastructure.
