Cargo Service Airports are airports that, in addition to any other air transportation services that may be available, are served by aircraft providing air transportation of only cargo with a total annual landed weight of more than 100 million pounds. Reliever Airports are airports designated by the FAA to relieve congestion at a Commercial Service Airport and to provide more general aviation access to the overall community. The remaining airports, while not specifically defined in Title 49 U.S.C., are referred to as General Aviation Airports and comprise the largest single group of airports in the U.S. airport system. Grants may not be made for the construction of hangars, most automobile parking facilities, buildings not related to the safety of persons on the airport, decorative landscaping or artwork, or routine maintenance and repair. Technical advisory services are also provided.
Formula funds are available to primary commercial service airports and to cargo service airports.
Discretionary funds may be used at any eligible facility. During the project, the sponsor monitors performance to ensure that time schedules are being met. An airport layout plan must be kept up to date and available as long as the grant agreement lasts, ordinarily a period of 20 years. Accounting records reflecting all project costs, books, documents, and records pertinent to grants are to be retained for 3 years after date of submission of final expenditure report.