Love the Journey Blog

Nearly $100 million of federal funding has been secured for Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) airports in federal fiscal year 2023.

Funding sources include Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program funds, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) funds, and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funds. Nearly $26 million of the funding was secured from competitive BIL grants.

The following represents a summary of federal funding received in federal fiscal year 2023 for CAA airports.

• Bradley International Airport
  • Inline Baggage Screening Building
    • $76,141,133.10
  • Vertical Circulation Project
    • $17,965,970.00
  • Taxiway Extension Project
    • $278,643.00
• Groton-New London Airport
  • Airfield Lighting/Signage Replacement
    • $2,908,424.00
• Hartford-Brainard Airport
  • Easement Acquisition and Obstruction Removal
    • $1,977,751.00
• Grand Total: $99,271,921.10

“The CAA is very pleased with the tremendous support from the federal government as we continue to develop and maintain safe, efficient, and customer-focused facilities across all of our airports. We particularly want to thank Governor Lamont and Connecticut’s federal delegation for fighting to bring this important funding home for CAA facilities,” said CAA Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E.

“Connecticut’s airports are an incredibly valuable driver of our economy, and the more improvements that we can implement to make these airports more accessible and easier to use will make our state an increasingly attractive destination for companies to grow their operations,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

“These federal grants will support critical safety improvements at Connecticut’s airports and create an easier and more streamlined airport experience for travelers at Bradley. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Bradley will upgrade its TSA baggage screening systems and expand ticketing counters – helping cut down lines and save travelers time. I fought alongside our Connecticut delegation to secure this major investment in our state’s transportation infrastructure, and I am thrilled to see it in action,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal.

“This nearly $100 million in federal funding will help streamline the travel experience at Connecticut airports. Investing in airports is not only good for travelers, but it will also create lots of good-paying jobs and make our state even more attractive for new companies to grow their businesses here. I’m glad to see funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to pay dividends,” said Senator Chris Murphy.

“I am thrilled to announce nearly $100 million in federal funding, including a significant amount of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, to improve Connecticut’s airport infrastructure. Many projects are already underway to improve service at Bradley International Airport, including through enhanced security measures, more gate space, and new amenities that will make the travel experience both more accessible and efficient for all passengers,” said Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01).

“Great to see federal infrastructure investments coming to Connecticut’s airports–from Bradley to Groton-New London. This funding will be a game changer in supporting our airports’ safety, security, and operations and continuing the high-quality service the Connecticut Airport Authority provides to travelers,” said Rep. Joe Courtney.

“As key economic drivers, Connecticut airports are tremendous assets to our state. During my time as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to have delivered historic investments to strengthen the efficiency and safety of airports in Connecticut and across the country—including nearly $1.6 billion for aviation safety and $558.6 million in Airport Improvement grants and projects. These critical federal investments in Connecticut airports will improve their efficiency and safety and generate an increase in commerce that will ultimately benefit workers and air passengers throughout the state,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done, in collaboration with this Administration, to expand and improve our state’s transportation infrastructure. These federal grants will make our local airports safer, more accessible, and more efficient for my constituents, and I am glad to have helped deliver such substantial support to Connecticut,” said Congressman Jim Himes.

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to deliver for Connecticut in impactful ways. The Connecticut Airport Authority facilities are a key part of our infrastructure and completion of these projects will ensure residents have better access to public transportation, fewer travel issues, and new jobs that boost our economy. The nearly $100 million our state is receiving is only one example of the ways properly funding the government can impact our communities,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05).

“These funds are yet another example of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming Connecticut. This significant investment in our state’s air travel infrastructure will not only enhance the passenger experience but also create good-paying jobs,” said Senior Advisor to the Governor on Infrastructure and Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton.

“We are very grateful to Governor Lamont and the state’s federal delegation for their strong advocacy on behalf of Connecticut’s airports. The CAA continues to aggressively advance improvements across our airport system, and this critical funding will ensure that we are able to bring major improvements for our passengers and stakeholders even sooner,” said CAA Board Chair Tony Sheridan.

Bradley International Airport’s new inline baggage screening building is being supported by over $76 million of federal funding in federal fiscal year 2023. The total project cost of nearly $151 million includes the construction of a new TSA secure baggage inspections and baggage handling system, entailing over one mile of conveyer belt systems. Currently, passengers checking bags must present them to the ticket counter for tagging and then wheel their bags themselves over to Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) machines operated by TSA in the airport ticketing lobby. Once the project is completed, passengers will hand their checked bags to the ticketing agent for tagging, who will place them on a conveyer belt for routing to the new screening facility. The project will also allow for the removal of the CTX machines from the airport ticketing lobby, freeing up additional ticket counter positions and allowing for additional airline service growth. The new facility, which is under construction adjacent to the terminal building, will also allow for the future construction of new gate and concession space, resulting in a net increase of two new gates at the airport.

Bradley International Airport’s vertical circulation project is being supported by nearly $18 million in federal fiscal year 2023, with a total project cost of nearly $59 million. The project will expand the facility by an additional 22,000 square feet to accommodate new elevators and escalators on both ends of the terminal. The project will improve passenger vertical circulation by providing passenger egress points directly at the end of each concourse, rather than routing passengers through one, centrally located exit lane. The project will allow for the closure of the existing exit lane and a significant expansion of the current TSA security checkpoint queueing area.

The CAA also received almost $300,000 from the FAA to continue studying the extension of Taxiway T at Bradley International Airport. This project, if undertaken, would significantly improve the development prospects of one of the airport’s largest undeveloped parcels.

The Groton-New London Airport airfield lighting and signage replacement project is benefiting from over $2.9 million of federal funding. This important safety project includes the installation of new edge lighting and LED signs at the airport, improving the visibility of airfield resources for airport users.

The Hartford-Brainard Airport easement acquisition and obstruction removal project received approximately $2 million of federal funding. This vital project resulted in the mitigation of various airspace encroachments surrounding the airport, providing safe approach surfaces for pilots utilizing the facility.

Bradley International Airport (BDL) invites you to love the journey at New England's second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops, expanded services, and convenient travel. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy.

*Some nonstop flights may operate only during certain time periods of the year (seasonally). For the latest flight information, please visit the airline's website.