Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is expanding thanks to new federal funding. GPB’s Amanda Andrews reports on today’s announcement from President Biden.

Atlanta's Hartfield-Jackson International airport.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is expanding thanks to new federal funding. The $40 million grant was announced by President Biden.

Credit: Facebook

The Biden administration announced a new wave of funding for airports across the country including $40 million for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The money is part of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill approved by Congress.

The grant will put $40 million toward upgrading Concourse D at Hartsfield, creating 500 construction jobs.

U.S. Rep. Nikema Williams said she wants to improve transportation options available in Georgia.

“We have to make sure that we're continuing to invest, because so many people that I was sent to Washington to serve count on the airport, and all of the industries connected to the airport, for their livelihood every day,” Williams said.

She was joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. In total, 85 airports will receive money from the Federal Aviation Administration to expand their terminals, increase energy efficiency, and boost accessibility for disabled passengers.

FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said this project is about modernizing America’s transit.

“The work that goes into building safer, more accessible and sustainable terminals will provide opportunities for people across the nation,” Mims said. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a critical investment not only in our nation’s infrastructure, but an investment in the future of our country’s workforce.”

The federal funding will provide $1 billion annually for five years for the airports receiving terminal grants.

Tags: Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport  infrastructure bill  Georgia  Atlanta