Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti was joined on July 7 by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) leadership to announce $50 million in funding for LAX from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will be used to modernize its terminal roadway.
“LAX is our gateway to the world, and every dollar we invest today will create prosperity for our region for generations to come,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “When complete, this project made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the leadership of Secretary Buttigieg will help transform LAX into a more accessible, visitor-friendly destination and join a long list of projects that are turning LAX into one of the premier airports in the world.”
The terminal roadways will be reconfigured and repaved, including a reconfiguration and modernization of the entrance to the Central Terminal Area. These upgrades and the forthcoming Automated People Mover System will transform the public’s experience entering and exiting LAX and will help alleviate traffic congestion. The funding comes as part of the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.
“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country.”
“I was very pleased when Los Angeles World Airports agreed to modernize LAX in order to improve safety and efficiency and enhance the passenger experience, and do so in a way that would not cause adverse impacts for the people who live nearby,” said Waters. “I congratulate LAWA for consulting with its surrounding communities and for earning the support of a diverse group of local stakeholders, including the Neighborhood Council of Westchester Playa, which represents many of my constituents who live in close proximity to the airport.”
“President Biden, Secretary Buttigieg and the entire administration has been steadfast in their support for rebuilding our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said Beatrice Hsu, President of the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners. “That is exactly what we are doing here in Los Angeles as we continue work on our multi-billion-dollar modernization one of the largest capital programs of any airport in the country today. We are grateful for this $50 million grant, which will be used to create a better roadway experience for travelers accessing LAX.”
LAX is in the midst of a $15 billion Capital Improvement Program, the largest public works program in the history of the City of Los Angeles. The overhaul touches all nine passenger terminals and includes the creation of new facilities, including the Automated People Mover train system and a Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility.
This past spring, Garcetti cut the ribbon for phase one of the Delta Sky Way project at LAX – a four-level, 770,000 square foot building that is part of a $2.3 billion modernization of Terminals 2 and 3. Last fall, he celebrated the opening of the LAX Economy Parking, a $294 million, 1.7-million-square-foot facility that has approximately 4,300 new parking stalls. Last summer, he celebrated the opening of the Terminal 1 extension at LAX, a $477.5 million, 283,000 square-foot extension of Terminal 1. In May of last year, Garcetti dedicated the opening of the West Gates of Tom Bradley International Terminal – a $1.73 billion investment that brings 15 gates and adds 750,000 square feet just west of Tom Bradley.
