Bradley International Airport receives more than $5 million in federal funds to use for major airport improvement
Windsor Locks, CONN – The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce that $5.4 million of federal funding has been secured for a major improvement project at Bradley International Airport (BDL).
The funding will be used for the ongoing construction of an 80,000 square foot checked baggage inspection system that’s currently under construction behind the Sheraton Hotel. Once complete, baggage will be sent from the airline ticket counters along a mile-long conveyor belt to the new facility to be screened. Current explosive-detection machines located in the terminal lobby will be removed – freeing up space for current and future airlines. The facility will also create additional gate space for aircraft.
“The CAA is extremely appreciative of the funding we’ve received from the federal government as we continue to develop and enhance Bradley International Airport,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., CAA Executive Director. “We also want to thank Governor Lamont and Connecticut’s federal delegation for working hard to secure this funding.”
The designated funding for Bradley International Airport comes from $970 million dollars in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program, which is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Through a competitive grant process, the FAA is providing the funding to 104 airports across the country to help focus on terminal reconstruction, development, accessibility, energy efficiency and more.
In addition to the $5.4 million, Bradley International Airport received $76 million in 2023 from the Federal Aviation Administration, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Transportation Security Administration to be used for the new checked baggage inspection system facility.
“Bradley International Airport is a key economic driver for Connecticut and supports the ability of many businesses throughout the Greater Hartford region to operate and grow new jobs,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “President Biden and Connecticut’s Congressional delegation created the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for exactly these types of projects, which are targeted at growing our economy. This grant will be put to good use at Bradley, making this highly rated airport even more accessible and convenient for travelers. I thank the FAA and Biden administration for supporting the growth of the best airport in New England.”
“This significant investment in Connecticut’s transportation infrastructure will be a gamechanger for passengers at Bradley International Airport – streamlining the check-in process and allowing for more gates, which increases the number of flight options. I am proud to have worked alongside our Congressional delegation to secure these funds and will keep fighting for more federal dollars to bolster our state’s infrastructure,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal.
“Bradley is consistently ranked as one of the top airports in the country, and that’s a huge draw for new businesses, visitors, and people living in the state. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $5.4 million grant for a new baggage handling system will help make the travel experience even more convenient for the thousands of people flying in and out of Hartford. I’ll keep pushing for more federal funding to improve our airports and create good-paying jobs,” said Senator Chris Murphy.
“I worked with the entire Connecticut delegation to secure vital infrastructure funding to improve the passenger experience at Bradley International Airport. Today’s announcement of $5.4 million in new federal funds will help streamline the check-in process for passengers and open up new ticket counter and gate space. This investment will allow Bradley to upgrade baggage screening and expand airline service in the coming years.,” said Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01).
“The CAA is very grateful to Governor Lamont, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, and Congressman Larson for their strong support of Bradley International Airport as we sought funding from this highly competitive program. The bipartisan infrastructure bill continues to pay dividends for our state, and we will continue to take advantage of this funding to modernize all of our airports,” said CAA Board Chair Tony Sheridan.
In addition to Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut federal delegation, the Connecticut Airport Authority would like to thank the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and the MetroHartford Alliance for their support of this important initiative.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $151 million. In addition to the federal funding, the construction of the facility will be funded through a combination of passenger facility charges as well as airport revenue.
About Bradley International Airport
Bradley International Airport (BDL) is 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 and expanded services. 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. For more info, visit www.bradleyairport.com.
About The Connecticut Airport Authority
The CAA was established in 2011 to develop, improve, and operate Bradley International Airport and the state’s five general aviation airports (Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford, and Windham). The CAA Board consists of 11 members with a broad spectrum of experience in aviation-related and other industries, as well as government. The goal of the CAA is to make Connecticut’s airports more attractive to new airlines, bring in new routes, and support Connecticut’s overall economic development and growth strategy. For more info, visithttps://ctairports.org/about/caa-ten-year-anniversary/.