$10.9 million in federal grants to fund new infrastructure for Tampa International Airport

The funding is from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program.

TAMPA, Fla. — More than $10 million in federal funds is going towards upgrades to Tampa International Airport.

U.S. Representative Kathy Castor announced a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will go towards reconstructing infrastructure at TPA.

Some of the projects planned in the funding include repaving 9,100 feet of existing taxiway and 8,300 feet of existing runway.

“Investing in Tampa International Airport means investing in Tampa Bay’s economy, tourism industry and good-paying local jobs,” Castor said in a statement. “These federal funds will help modernize airfield infrastructure at TPA… improving reliability and efficiency for the millions of travelers and businesses alike that rely on [it] every year.”

The funding is from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY26 Airport Improvement Program, which funds airport infrastructure for runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting and airport markings.

Airports are entitled to a certain amount of funding each year based on passenger volume.

“Tampa International Airport is one of the best in the world, but to keep it that way, we must ensure that the airport keeps pace and is constantly modernizing,” Castor said. 

If an airport’s needs exceed their entitled funds through the program, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.

“The grants strengthen our nation’s aviation infrastructure,” the FAA’s website reads.

TPA’s total fund comes in at $10,992,431.

“We’re grateful for the continued strong support from U.S. Representative Kathy Castor and our congressional delegation, as well as the FAA, in helping fund critical infrastructure improvements,” said TPA CEO Michael Stephens in a statement. “TPA serves as a key economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, and as passenger traffic continues to grow, it’s essential that this repaving project moves forward in a timely and efficient manner. 

“This grant will help us modernize and maintain our airfield infrastructure, ensuring a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for our passengers and airlines while supporting the continued growth of our region.”