SAT Awarded Largest Federal Grant for Airfield Safety Improvements
Published on September 25, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (September 25, 2026)— San Antonio International Airport (SAT) announced it has been awarded two grants totaling $43,250,959–the largest single Airport Improvement Program (AIP) award in the airport’s history–from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funds help advance drainage improvements to the airfield in support of the continued construction of the new terminal complex.
“The redevelopment of SAT is funded through airport revenues, but grants like this help the airport stretch its dollars and do more for our passengers,” said Erik Walsh, City Manager, City of San Antonio. “These federal investments will help strengthen a critical piece of San Antonio's transportation infrastructure while supporting the continued development of our airport.”
The airfield drainage improvements add stormwater capacity and bring the airport’s drainage infrastructure up to current FAA and rainfall-design standards. The improvements will help eliminate standing water on the airfield, reducing conditions that can attract wildlife and increase the risk of bird strikes, while also helping protect airfield and terminal operations during significant rainfall events.
The drainage improvements are part of the airport’s broader Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP), a multi-phase initiative to modernize SAT’s airfield infrastructure in coordination with the FAA.
“A project like this may happen largely behind the scenes, but its benefits will be felt throughout the airport,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, City of San Antonio Aviation Department. “This drainage improvement is an important investment in the airport’s infrastructure and will help support a safe, resilient and efficient operation for years to come.”
The project, which is already under contract, will include the construction of a new underground stormwater system to carry water from the airfield and new terminal development area to Salado Creek, providing additional stormwater capacity and resolving a long-standing drainage deficiency.
The latest awards build on nearly $6.8 million in funding previously secured for design and construction work related to the project. Since 2020, the FAA has awarded SAT with $217.7 million in federal funds, including $99.2 million for airfield projects, $114.5 million for terminal projects, including the Terminal A Gate Expansion, new Terminal C and their enabling projects; and $3.9 million for other projects at SAT.
“San Antonio’s congressional delegation has been instrumental in advocating for continued federal investment in the city’s aviation infrastructure, and SAT appreciates the continued partnership with the FAA in advancing these critical improvements,” said Saenz.
The award reflects SAT’s continued track record of delivering federally funded projects on schedule and within budget. Additional phases of airfield infrastructure improvements are anticipated as the airport continues to advance its long-term modernization program in coordination with federal partners.