WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced on Monday that it has secured $6 million of federal funding for a major improvement project at Bradley International Airport.
The funding will be used to further an ongoing project at the airport in Windsor Locks - the construction of an 80,000-square-foot inline baggage screening facility that will be located behind the Sheraton Hotel.
There are two active construction projects aimed at making the travel experience at the airport easier and more efficient for passengers. When the projects are completed, baggage will flow from the airline ticket counters along a mile-long conveyor belt to the new facility for screening.
According to the CAA, explosive-detection machines that can currently be found in the terminal lobby will be repositioned once the new screening facility opens, allowing for more space for current and future airline growth. The facility will also include three new gates, which are to be constructed.
RELATED: $243 million in construction at Bradley International Airport will enhance travel experience
“The CAA is grateful for this new infusion of federal funding as we continue construction on major projects to enhance the passenger experience at Bradley International Airport,” CAA Executive Director Kevin Dillon said.
Dillon also thanked Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Business and Industry Association for their hard work securing the funding.
The CAA says the designated funding for Bradley International Airport comes from $970 million in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s FY25 Airport Terminal Program. The program was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The FAA is providing funding through a competitive grant process to 125 airports across the country this fiscal year to focus on terminal reconstruction, development, accessibility, energy efficiency and more.
Before Monday’s announcement, Bradley International Airport has received more than $31 million in grant funds from prior years of the Airport Terminal Program. The program is a subset of the $99 million in federal grants that the airport has received to enhance its terminals. The CAA says it has successfully applied for funds every year that the grant program has been offered.
“Over the last several years, Bradley has implemented many major improvements that have resulted in this airport being ranked among the best in the nation,” Lamont said. “This funding will enable Bradley to continue making upgrades that will strengthen its reputation as one of the best and most convenient airports available.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) described himself as a frequent flyer who travels back and forth to Washington, D.C. weekly using the airport. He said he knows personally what a great airport it is and how much better it could be.
“In fact, with this $6 million federal funding boost, it will be on a flight path to become one of the nation’s premier air travel hubs. Streamlined, upgraded and expanded, its services will be speedier and safer than ever. I’ll continue fighting for even more federal support,” Blumenthal said.
According to U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), investing in Connecticut’s airports isn’t only good for travelers – it creates well-paying jobs and draws new businesses to the state.
“This $6 million for a new baggage handling system will help open up space for more flight options and keep flyers safe, making the travel experience even more convenient and ensuring Bradley continues to be recognized as one of the top airports in the country,” Murphy said.
Bradley International Airport is New England’s second largest commercial airport; it is operated by the CAA, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy, according to the CAA.
The CAA was established in 2011 to develop, improve and operate Bradley International Airport as well as the state’s five general aviation airports in Danielson, Groton-New London, Hartford-Brainard, Waterbury-Oxford and Windham.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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