SYV Today Staff Report
Carbajal Announces $4.6 Million Federal Grant for San Luis Obispo County Airport Infrastructure
The funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support runway safety systems, taxiway upgrades, and wildlife protection plans.
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal announced $4,609,282 in new federal funding for the San Luis Obispo County Airport to support a range of infrastructure upgrades. The grant award is designed to modernize Runway 11/29's safety system, upgrade Taxiway A, and establish a wildlife identification and protection plan to guard against hazards such as bird strikes.
The funding originates from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program established under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has distributed more than $1 billion to projects across the Central Coast since its enactment. Local officials noted the investment will assist the regional facility in accommodating growing visitor traffic.
“As SLO County continues to welcome more visitors each year, it’s essential that we invest in our local airport to maintain the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew,” said Rep. Carbajal.
San Luis Obispo County 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and County Director of Airports Courtney Johnson both acknowledged the federal allocation, emphasizing its role in supporting the region's long-term economic connectivity and resilience.