WASHINGTON- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $1.9 million grant to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to reduce the use of conventional fuels at the airport to improve air quality.

"We are committed to helping airports around the country make the necessary infrastructure investments that will reduce fuel costs and help protect the environment," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The grant, through the FAA's Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program, will enable the airport to install a land-side power unit and pre-conditioned air unit at three aircraft gates and six remote aircraft parking positions. The units will allow aircraft arriving at the terminal to shut off their auxiliary power units and connect to a cleaner central heating and cooling system, saving fuel and reducing aircraft emissions on the ground. The funds come from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

"The FAA encourages airlines and airports to find creative ways to reduce aviation's impact on the environment," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta. "We applaud all of Chattanooga's efforts to make the airport an environmentally friendly member of the community."

VALE is designed to reduce all sources of airport ground emissions. Created in 2004, the program helps airport sponsors meet their air quality responsibilities under the Clean Air Act. Through VALE, airport sponsors can use AIP funds and Passenger Facility Charges to finance low-emission vehicles, refueling and recharging stations, gate electrification, and other airport air quality improvements.

In fiscal year 2012, the FAA will provide VALE grants for five low-emission projects. Since 2005, the FAA has funded 57 low-emission projects at 33 airports, which represents a total investment of $146 million in clean airport technology. That amount includes $116 million in federal grants and $30 million in local airport matching funds.

Through VALE, airports are reducing ozone emissions by approximately 320 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing 17,600 cars and trucks off the road annually. VALE is funded through the Airport Improvement Program.

For more information about the program, including a list of eligible airports and projects, go to the VALE web site: www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/vale.

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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