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Travel Sep 28, 2024
| Photo courtesy of Orange County
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The John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana has been awarded a $20 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration, officials announced last week.
The grant will fund accessibility upgrades to better accommodate airportgoers with mobility needs, while also improving energy efficiency, according to a statement by airport officials.
The FAA funding will pay for the renovation of 12 public restrooms in the A and B terminals to ensure the airport complies with Americans with Disabilities Act standards and other building codes, officials said.
The project also aims to improve amenities for families and nursing mothers with the installation of at least one universal changing station in Terminal B’s “Family Restroom” and two nursing pods.
New energy-efficient lighting fixtures and controls are another component of the airport upgrades.
“This $20 million is an investment in John Wayne Airport as a vital gateway for Orange County’s business community,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Donald P. Wagner said in a statement. “A well-functioning, accessible airport is key to maintaining our region’s competitive edge, driving economic growth, and fostering connections with national and international markets. These improvements will help JWA remain a critical asset for business in Orange County.”
District 5 Supervisor Katrina Foley emphasized the importance of these improvements for JWA’s commitment to passenger accessibility and sustainability.
“This grant allows us to not only enhance the experience for passengers with accessibility needs but also support our broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” Foley said. “The restroom and path-of-travel improvements will make a meaningful difference for our travelers, while the energy-efficient upgrades will reduce our environmental impact.”
John Wayne Airport was one of 62 projects nationwide to receive funding from a pool of 353 applicants requesting a total of $1.38 billion in FAA grant funding.
The $20 million awarded to JWA will pay for needed improvements aimed at enhancing “the overall passenger experience” while supporting energy-efficient operations, airport officials said.
In a statement, Airport Director Charlene Reynolds said JWA “is a critical asset for Orange County, and these improvements will continue our efforts of inclusivity for all travelers. By modernizing our facilities and addressing accessibility, we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring every visitor has a superior experience when they travel through our Airport.”
More information on the project and JWA’s ongoing sustainability efforts, visit ocair.com/capital-improvement-program.
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