FAA offers funding for SAF infrastructure projects at airports

April 1, 2024

BY Erin Voegele

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration on April 1 opened a $269 million funding opportunity under its Airport Improvement Program. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) infrastructure projects are among those eligible for the funding. 

The Airport Improvement Program is a grant program that funds airport infrastructure projects, including those related to runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting and airport markings. In its April 1 notice, the FAA is announcing the opportunity to apply for approximately $269 million in fiscal year (FY) supplemental discretionary grants. Nearly $236 million of those funds will be made available to medium and large hub airports, with $33 million available to small hub, nonhub and nonprimary airports. The FAA expects to make at least 50 awards through the current notice of funding opportunity (NOFO). Priority project categories under the April 1 NOFO include SAF, airfield operational resiliency, and emissions and energy improvements. 

Regarding SAF, the NOFO indicates FAA may make grants to primary airports for airport-owned infrastructure required for the on-airport distribution, blending or storage of SAF that achieves at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Projects may include, but are not limited to, on-airport construction or expansion of pipelines, rail lines and spurs, loading and off-loading facilities, blending facilities and storage tanks. 

According to the NOFO, application for SAF proposals should clearly describe how the project will support the implementation of SAF for distribution into aircraft at the airport, including the absolute capacity of the facility in gallons to deliver SAF into-plane and how the scope of the proposed facility is reasonably consistent with the potential and operable market for SAF at the airport. 

Advertisement

Advertisement

Applications for the funding can be filed through May 2.

A full copy of the NOFO is available on the Federal Register website.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Stories

The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its forecast for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 8.

Read More

XCF Global Inc. on July 10 shared its strategic plan to invest close to $1 billion in developing a network of SAF production facilities, expanding its U.S. footprint, and advancing its international growth strategy.

Read More

U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.

Read More

XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.

Read More

The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.

Read More

Upcoming Events

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Advertisement

Advertisement