Press Releases

House Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced today that the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) will be awarded a $7 million federal grant through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Today's funding announcement is in addition to the $15 million grant award that Graves secured earlier this year – which, was the second largest AIP grant awarded nationwide.

"So far this year, we've been able to provide $22 million in federal funding to enhance the capabilities and the customer experience at BTR. This tranche should accelerate the improvements happening at our airport, allowing travelers in the Capital Region and across South Louisiana to reap the benefits," said Graves. "This is a big win."

As the leading Republican on the House Subcommittee on Aviation, Graves has advocated in Washington for BTR enhancements, pushing to help improve services and flight options for Capital Region travelers. He initiated multiple meetings with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and FAA Administrator Daniel Elwell in support of BTR's application. He's helping bring in new federal dollars to fund runway, safety and other development projects included in BTR's Master Plan, accelerate the airport's growth and ensure its long-term economic sustainability. Last year, the Master plan received initial funding from the FAA and an LaDOTD matching grant totaling $6.5 million.

"As Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, Representative Garret Graves continues to work and advocate on behalf of our industry. We are grateful to Representative Graves and the Louisiana delegation for their support of this project and our efforts to obtain funding," said Mike Edwards, BTR's Aviation Director. "The project will establish a standard Runway Safety Area and Runway Protection Zone for Runway 13-31, while also improving overall airport operations. As the airport continues to grow and develop, the community and surrounding area will be provided unique opportunities to do the same."

On March 23, 2018, the President signed legislation into law that provided the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding, enabling the Secretary of Transportation to issue grants for selected, authorized projects.