Rep. Cohen Announces More Than $16.1 Million in Federal Infrastructure Funding for the Memphis International Airport, Made Possible by the IIJA

MEMPHIS, TN — Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that the Memphis International Airport will receive a $16.1 million federal infrastructure grant award to support ongoing terminal modernization efforts. The grant will help fund a portion of projects associated with the terminal modernization program, which involves reconstruction of the outer drive outside the terminal, modernizing and increasing the size of the ticketing and baggage areas, expanding the security checkpoint, implementing technological improvements to baggage and security, and seismic enhancements.  The new federal resources are being awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant (AIG) program, and were made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a bill Congressman Cohen voted to pass in 2021. He is the only Member of Congress from Tennessee today who voted for the IIJA.

In addition to new funding for the Memphis International Airport, Congressman Cohen also announced that the General DeWitt Spain Airport, the Charles Baker Airport, and the Memphis-Millington Airport will each receive federal AIG grant awards of $294,000. All four grant awards represent increased annual funding for America’s airports under the IIJA, and will be used for improvements including the upcoming construction of a new terminal at Charles W. Baker Airport. Under the new infrastructure law, the Memphis International Airport and the region’s other general aviation airports will continue to receive increased FAA investments through FY 2026.

“This is great news for the Memphis International Airport, and it’s another example of why I voted to pass the IIJA — a bill that many like to tout, but that you’ll notice not everyone voted for if you look under the hood,” said Congressman Cohen. “I’m the only Member of Congress from Tennessee today who voted to pass the IIJA, and I’m pleased to see it continuing to power so many great projects in TN-9. The airport is one of the most important economic anchors in our community, and it facilitates all sorts of activity for millions of Americans every year. Increased infrastructure funding means increased travel and output, more jobs, and a better experience for everyone who travels through our city. We would never see this level of federal investment without the IIJA, and I know that Terry Blue and his team will continue to implement these resources wisely.”

Rep. Cohen voted to pass the IIJA in November 2021, and the bill is still delivering resources to help strengthen Memphis and the region’s local economy and communities. The IIJA included substantial reinvestments in America’s airports — including $15 billion specifically for airport improvements through the FAA. Under the new infrastructure law, Memphis International Airport and other regional airports will continue to receive increased FAA investments through FY 2026.

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