Expanding Regional Airports Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to help smaller, underserved airports handle more passengers and flights. The Department of Transportation would give money for projects like lengthening runways, expanding security screening areas, building hangars and related infrastructure, and upgrading passenger facilities. Funds can also cover costs to meet certain safety and security rules. The goal is to boost capacity so more people and planes can move through these regional airports more smoothly .

Each year, DOT must award between 3 and 10 grants to eligible airports. To qualify, an airport must be either a general aviation airport or a nonprimary commercial service airport that serves a community of at least 75,000 people.

Key points:

• Who is affected: General aviation and smaller commercial airports serving communities of 75,000+ people.
• What changes: New grants for runway extensions, bigger screening areas, hangars and infrastructure, and passenger facility upgrades; help with meeting safety and security requirements.
• When: DOT must make 3–10 grants each fiscal year.