Airports countywide awarded funds for variety of projects

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) - Five airports throughout Riverside County are set to be awarded $8.5 million in total for projects ranging from apron improvements to a new control tower, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The agency released a complete list of 280 Airport Improvement Program grants Monday that will be distributed in the current fiscal year, and among the dozens of aerodromes in California slated for funding are Blythe Airport, French Valley Airport, Hemet-Ryan Airport, March Air Reserve Base and Palm Springs International Airport.   

"As we continue to strengthen the National Airspace System, we are providing funding for airports to quickly put critical safety investments in across the country,'' Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford said.

The aggregate outlay nationwide is $3.77 billion. California's share comes to $306.44 million, according to transportation officials.   

Blythe Airport is designated to receive two grants totaling $905,667. They'll cover expenses tied to apron rehabilitation and lighting.   

French Valley's earmark will be $3.43 million, all for construction of a control tower. The airport, which serves southwest Riverside County, has grown substantially in air traffic volume over the last several decades. Pilots currently coordinate their own arrivals and departures at the non-controlled field. The future tower will not be staffed by FAA personnel, but rather contract controllers, which are also deployed at Riverside Municipal Airport and San Bernardino International Airport.  

Hemet-Ryan will receive the largest local grant at $6.15 million, stipulated for runway improvements.

March ARB's $1.31 million grant will pay for apron re-surfacing, and Palm Springs International's $140,600 grant will go toward equipment acquisitions, according to federal officials.

The complete list can be found at faa.gov/airports/aip/2026_aip_grants.