ALAMOSA – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $616.9 million in airport infrastructure grants, the fourth allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding.

The grants include $8.5 million in awards to three Colorado airports including Alamosa’s San Luis Valley Regional Airport/Bergman Field, which will use the funding to install perimeter fencing. Alamosa will receive $2,767,771.

“This grant will help Colorado better serve the flying public, as well as strengthen the economy and create jobs in this community,” said Secretary Chao.

Alamosa County Commissioner Chairman Darius Allen said, “This wildlife fence will provide the protection the aviation community needs by keeping cattle, deer and other critters off the airfield. We are so thankful the FAA acknowledge the need and funded this project for SLV Regional Airport.”

The grants fund infrastructure projects that include runways, taxiways, aprons, and terminal projects. These projects are important to the safety and efficiency of the nation’s system of airports.

Airports receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.