Airport Improvement Program

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Modal Grants

Airport Improvement Program

Airport Improvement Program (AIP) advanced under N.J.S.A. 6:1-89 et seq., and per the provisions of N.J.S.A. 27:1B-1 et seq, provides funds from the Transportation Trust Fund and Airport Safety Fund to the selected eligible applicants for State Airport Improvement Grants to public use airports to promote aviation safety, education, and aeronautics, and preserve and rehabilitate the State general aviation airport system. This program also provides funding up to one-half of the local match required for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) matching grants.

  • Application Round Closed
Airport Improvement Program

Program Milestones

Eligibility Assessment

Valid for 3 years

Funding Announced

July

Acceptance Period

6 weeks

Who is Eligible?

  • An owner of the New Jersey public use airport on which the improvement is intended to take place
  • An aviation enterprise that is principally located within New Jersey public use general aviation airport
  • A responsible public agency or authority (municipalities, counties) that owns the airport

Program Benefits

  • Preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance aviation infrastructure
  • Promote aviation safety, education, and aeronautics
How Projects Are Evaluated

Selection Criteria

Demand/Capacity

Aircraft demand and capacity must be balanced for effective traffic flow.

FAA Standards Compliance

Ensure safety by adhering to FAA rules and regulations.

FAA Airport Classification

Determined by size, aircraft, and activity levels.

Reliever Status

Airports designated to alleviate congestion at commercial airports.

Planning Compliance

Up-to-date airport master plans and airport layout plans.

State Aviation System Plan Level

Airport functional level/role as identified in the New Jersey State Aviation System Plan.

System Component

Airport system infrastructure, technology, and personnel.

Type of Improvement

Proposed enhancements to aircraft and airport infrastructure.

Existing Condition

Pre-existing condition of the airport building, infrastructure, and other property.

Continuation of Previously Funded Project

Use of grant funds to support ongoing projects from previous funding rounds.

Applicant Past Performance

Evaluation of airport history.

FAA Funding Eligibility

Projects that improve airport safety, capacity, and security.

Eligible Projects:

  • Runway, taxiway & apron upgrade, rehabilitation, and marking project
  • Design and planning
  • Airport beacons, approach lighting, and electronic and visual navigation aids
  • Obstruction removal and mitigation project
  • Airport security equipment and fencing project
  • Aviation fuel farm
  • FAA state matching grant project
  • Aviation education, safety, and aeronautics promotion grants

Ineligible Projects:

  • Routine maintenance
  • Request financial assistance for the purpose of an operating subsidy
Interested in Applying?

How to Apply

All applications must be complete and submitted using SAGE (System for Administering Grants Electronically). Applicants can submit a maximum of two applications per grant cycle and unlimited number of applications for FAA matching grants. Applicants can submit only two applications per grant cycle. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding in the grant cycle in which they are received. Modal Grant staff may request additional information if or as needed.

  • Project Sponsors or Applicants can schedule a meeting with Modal Grants staff to better understand or review grant-related requirements.
  • Modal Grants will notify each applicant of the Department’s decision to offer or not offer a grant for each project application via a formal letter sent to each applicant via email with instructions.
  • The total budget amount for funding projects within the AIP is appropriated annually.
  • The full name and principal business address of the applicant
  • The name, title, address and phone number of the persons to whom correspondence regarding the application should be addressed
  • A project description and benefits with proper justification
  • Photographs of the project area/existing condition
  • Project location map/as-built plans and drawings
  • Scope of the work
  • A cost breakdown of the projects (Detail cost with unit price)
  • A detailed project schedule with identified milestones and completion date
  • Assurances that the applicant is able to meet all the requirements of the financial assistance, including the provision of the sponsor’s share of total project costs
  • A certification signed by the owner of the property granting permission to the applicant to undertake the project
  • Proof of Liability Insurance
  • List of Customers
  • Signed applicant submission certification within 30 days of submission

Need help or have a question?

(609) 963-2100
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