Federal Funding Programs
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding is available to airports that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airports System (NPIAS). Administered by the FAA, the AIP provides funds for projects to improve infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons, noise control, land purchases, navigational aids, safety and security.
There are 79 airports in Iowa that are eligible for federal funding.
The AIP is funded by aviation related fees and taxes such as airline ticket taxes, segment and international travel fees, cargo fees and aircraft fuel taxes that are deposited into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. AIP money is distributed by the FAA through formulas set by law for entitlement and discretionary grants determined by the FAA.
Projects funded through the AIP program must be justified and eligible according to guidelines established by the FAA. FAA Advisory Circulars provide guidance on design, construction and operations of airports that meet federal standards. When accepting federal funding, airport sponsors agree to maintain airports according to federal grant assurances. The FAA's AIP Sponsor Guide provides a good reference for information on project formulation, grant application and project construction.
- FAA Central Region website
- AIP Overview
- Airport and Airway Revenue Sources
- AIP Sponsor Guide
- Federal Grant Assurances
Federal AIP Preapplications & the Iowa DOT
All FFY 2026 preapplication materials must be submitted to the Iowa DOT Modal Transportation Bureau - Aviation by Friday. Dec. 20, 2024.
Additional information on the pre-application process can be found in: