The Aviation Bureau administers two major categories of state aviation funding programs including the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and vertical infrastructure programs for commercial service and general aviation airports. Project selection and allocations for the programs are approved annually by the Iowa Transportation Commission.
The AIP is funded through the State Aviation Fund for aviation safety, planning, and airport development projects throughout Iowa. Projects funded through the AIP include runway, taxiway, and apron development; fuel systems; navigational aids; maintenance of aviation weather systems; runway marking; windsocks; emergency operational repairs; land-use planning; air service development; and the mitigation of obstruction and wildlife hazards at airports.
Vertical infrastructure programs provide funding for projects at general aviation and commercial service airports throughout Iowa. These programs provide funding for the maintenance and development of airport facilities, such as terminal buildings, maintenance facilities, and aviation hangars. Vertical infrastructure programs are typically funded from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.
Applications for most AIP and vertical infrastructure grants are accepted on an annual basis. Applications for Immediate Safety Enhancement grants (operational emergencies and some obstruction mitigations), as well as wildlife mitigation are accepted on an ongoing, as-needed basis while funds are available.
Public-owned airport sponsors may apply for grants to assist in the preservation and development of the airfield and related infrastructure. Eligible projects are funded up to 85% and generally include planning and improvements related to enhancing airport safety, capacity, security and environmental concerns.
Applications are submitted as part of the annual application process.
The Air Service Development (ASD) program provides assistance to commercial service airports in Iowa to maintain and enhance passenger air service in the state. Targeted funding is used to attract and retain air service based on the particular needs and circumstances of the airport’s passenger air service market. Participation is limited to airports designated as commercial service airports in the Iowa Aviation System Plan that are currently receiving scheduled Part 121 domestic or Part 135 commuter service. Eligible projects may be funded up to 80 percent when funding is available for the program.
Applications are submitted as part of the annual application process
The Immediate Safety Enhancement (ISE) program assists airports when timely infrastructure repairs and equipment replacement makes it impractical to wait for the annual application process for other aviation grants. Goals of the program are to keep airports safe and operational when unforeseen and unbudgeted issues arise that require immediate attention.
Applications are accepted throughout the year for reimbursable grants. A grant must be approved and fully executed prior the procurement or start of any work, or it will not be reimbursed. Due to the timely nature of ISE grant applications, the Iowa DOT attempts to expedite the review and execution of ISE grants which are subject to funding availability and will pay for 70% of a project, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Project Eligibility
To be eligible, each project application must justify an immediate need to keep the airport safe and operational.
Eligible Projects
Pavement repairs for immediate safety enhancement
Blow ups, potholes, sinkholes
Repair or replacement of certain essential communication, lighting, and navigational systems including:
Unicoms, PAPIs/VASIs, rotating beacons, windsock poles, lighting system regulators
Tree or obstruction removal creating an urgent safety need
Ineligible
Routine maintenance
Routine parts, repair and replacement of communication, lighting, and navigational systems
REILs, taxiway and runway lights
Hangar and building repairs
Equipment repairs
The Airport Wildlife Mitigation grants provide assistance to airport sponsors in mitigating and removing wildlife from airports to reduce the potential for wildlife strikes with aircraft. The Iowa DOT Modal Transportation Bureau coordinates agreements with USDA Wildlife Services to perform year-long wildlife studies or mitigation activity at airports, provide resources and training for airports to conduct their own mitigation, and coordinate deer depredation efforts with the Iowa DNR. Activities eligible at an airport will reflect findings from initial consultations with the USDA Wildlife Services biologists.
Applications for funding are accepted throughout the year if there is a new and urgent need. When approved, the Iowa DOT Modal Transportation Bureau will work with Wildlife Services to develop a cost estimate and then send an agreement to the airport for approval. State share of the project is 85% and an invoice for payment of local share will be sent to the airport when the project is completed. An agreement must be signed between the airport sponsor and the Iowa DOT prior to Wildlife Services beginning the work.
Land Use Planning and Zoning grants encourage airport sponsors, cities, and counties to enact airport zoning that protects compatible land use near airports. Airport sponsors are also encouraged to work with city and county comprehensive plans to include compatible land use protection for airports. Airport sponsors interested in funding for this purpose must first work with the Iowa DOT’s Modal Transportation Bureau to develop a scope of work and sign an agreement. An agreement must be signed prior to beginning the planning study. No reimbursement for the project will occur until the zoning or comprehensive plan has been adopted by the appropriate parties.
Applications for funding are accepted as part of the annual application process
List items for Aviation Vertical Infrastructure Programs
The Commercial Service Vertical Infrastructure (CSVI) program provides funding for landside development and renovation of terminals, hangars, maintenance buildings, and fuel facilities at commercial service airports. Routine maintenance of buildings and minor renovation projects are not eligible.
Appropriated funds are distributed to the commercial service airports by a 50/40/10 formula. One half of the funds are allocated equally between each airport, 40 percent of the funds are allocated based on the percentage of enplaned passengers at each airport versus the total number of enplaned passengers in the state, and 10 percent of the funds are allocated based on the percentage of the air cargo tonnage at each airport versus the total tonnage in the state. Commercial service airports are required to submit applications for specific projects for approval by the Transportation Commission. No local match is required.
Applications are submitted as part of the annual application process.
Public owned general aviation airport sponsors may apply for General Aviation Vertical Infrastructure (GAVI) projects that include landside development and renovation of airport terminals, hangars, maintenance buildings, and fuel facilities. Routine maintenance of buildings and minor renovation projects are not eligible. Eligible projects may be funded up to 85 percent when funding is available for the program.
Applications are submitted as part of the annual application process.
Completed applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. Email completed, signed applications to Shane.Wright@iowadot.us.
Detailed information regarding the application process can be found in:
Airport State Funding Grant Application Instructions
