Atlantic City airport receives $4.8M in federal funding

Matthew Fazelpoor//March 1, 2023

U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, both Democrats, announced Feb. 28 that Atlantic City International Airport was awarded $4.8 million.

The federal infrastructure funding, which is part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Airport Terminal Program (ATP), will be used to replace two passenger loading bridges.

“The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) is extremely grateful to Sen. Menendez and Sen. Booker for their support in obtaining this critical funding from the Airport Terminal Grant Program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said SJTA Executive Director Stephen Dougherty. “The $4.8M in funding will be utilized to replace two aging passenger loading bridges at Atlantic City International Airport and will immediately improve the travel experience for our customers.”

From left: Col. Derek Routt, commander of the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard; Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.; and Stephen Dougherty, executive director for the South Jersey Transportation Authority, announce a round of federal funding for projects at the Atlantic City International Airport. — From left: Col. Derek Routt, commander of the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard; Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.; and Stephen Dougherty, executive director for the South Jersey Transportation Authority, announce a round of federal funding for projects at the Atlantic City International Airport in January. – OFFICE OF SEN. ROBERT MENEDEZ

That federal funding is in addition to more than $13 million announced in January, which includes $5.2 million for projects at AC Airport and $8.1 million for Air National Guard projects, including upgrades to the Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing that is located at the Egg Harbor Township depot.

“The people of South Jersey and those who utilize Atlantic City International Airport can rest easy knowing we are investing in their infrastructure and ensuring passengers are able to safely board their flights,” said Menendez. “This funding is yet another example of how the bipartisan infrastructure bill is bringing billions of dollars to New Jersey to help communities while also supporting our local economy and creating jobs.”

“Atlantic City International Airport serves an important role in South Jersey’s economy as a transportation hub,” said Booker. “This funding will improve passenger safety and, along with the $3 million Sen. Menendez and I secure in the recent government funding bill to plan and design a new cargo taxiway, will help drive investment to the region, creating jobs and growing the economy.”

The senators say that the Garden State stands to receive billions of dollars from the IIJA to help the state repair roads and highways, make airport improvements, expand mass transit, build the Gateway Project, replace water and sewer pipes and increase broadband internet access.