Congresswoman Barbara Lee announces Oakland Airport will receive more than $15 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act
Oakland, CA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) today announced that the Oakland International Airport (OAK) will receive more than $15 million from the federal Department of Transportation as part of Bipartisan Infrastructure Act signed into law by President Biden on November 15.
The funds will be used for projects related to environmental sustainability, passenger amenities, and security upgrades at the Oakland Airport, which is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland.
“We are already seeing the impact of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Act right here in our community,” Congresswoman Lee said. “This funding will create good-paying union jobs in the East Bay, and will help modernize airport facilities and make operations more sustainable. The Infrastructure Act also brings critical investment to our state to guarantee clean drinking water for all, improve highways and bridges, expand our EV charging network, increase safety on our roads and streets, and close the digital divide in neighborhoods like East Oakland. Thanks to the leadership of President Biden and Speaker Pelosi, this law will make a real difference for our state and the entire country.”
“This funding is critical for providing greater safety, security, and sustainability at Oakland International Airport,” Oakland International Airport Aviation Director Bryant Francis said. “It will also provide new job opportunities for the local community.”
OAK is working with Federal Aviation Administration partners to clarify criteria and timelines for Infrastructure Act funding. Projects that may benefit from the funding include:
- Airfield safety projects
- Security systems upgrades
- Passenger amenities including companion care and gender-inclusive facilities
- Expanded on-site energy generation
- Adding electrical charging stations
- Building system improvements for energy-efficiency and passenger comfort
The Infrastructure Act included $15 billion nationwide in funding for airport development grants. These projects include improvements to runways and taxiways, terminal development and noise prevention. Oakland’s $15.49 million allocation is determined by a formula based on cargo and passenger volumes, among other factors.
Congresswoman Lee also announced a separate $5.2 million grant from the Department of Transportation to fund clean energy projects at the Oakland Seaport, also owned by the Port of Oakland. The grant will support the Port’s vision of achieving zero emissions in maritime operations.
Together, the Infrastructure Act funding and the clean energy grant represent more than $20 million in federal investments to improve operations and increase sustainability at the East Bay’s transportation and shipping hub.
“Thank you to Secretary Buttigieg and the Department of Transportation for supporting the Port of Oakland’s truly visionary work to end reliance on fossil fuels in maritime operations,” Congresswoman Lee said.
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