WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a $9 million Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to construct a new aircraft de-icing area at Salt Lake City International Airport.

"This important infrastructure investment will improve safety and reduce congestion at Salt Lake City," Secretary LaHood said. "Investing in our nation's airports promotes economic growth."

The FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant will fund a de-icing pad at the end of Runway 34R. This will enable aircraft to de-ice closer to the runway instead of near the passenger gates. Construction is expected to begin in April 2013 and be completed in October 2014.

"The project will ensure more de-icing fluid is kept on wings during taxiing, and reduce the chances that aircraft will have to de-ice a second time because of delays," said Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

The project is part of a large-scale, multi-year effort to move aircraft de-icing pads throughout the airport to new locations at runway ends.

AIP provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for airport improvement projects that are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity, and environmental stewardship of our nation's airports. More than 3,300 airports are eligible for AIP grants benefiting commercial passengers, cargo operations, and general aviation activities throughout the nation.

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