Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program

The Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program is administered by North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) and funded through the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025. This program was established to support the recovery and resilience of airport infrastructure impacted by Tropical Storm Helene, while also strengthening emergency preparedness capabilities across the state. NCEM, as the state agency responsible for disaster response and recovery coordination, oversees the distribution of these funds and prioritizes projects that enhance regional emergency readiness and aviation accessibility during disasters. The primary purpose of this grant program is twofold: to repair and restore airport infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Helene and to improve airport capacity for emergency preparedness and disaster response. Funding is intended to ensure that airports can serve as critical hubs during emergencies by maintaining operational readiness, supporting response logistics, and facilitating access for various aircraft types. Eligible uses include infrastructure repair such as runways, terminals, hangars, and access roads, as well as investments in communication systems, backup power, and other resilience-enhancing improvements. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, with projects eligible for up to 100 percent coverage and no required cost share. However, administrative costs associated with managing the grant are not eligible for reimbursement. Additionally, recipients are required to pursue alternative funding sources, including insurance claims and federal aid, prior to receiving grant funds. Any funds obtained from these sources that overlap with grant-covered expenses must be remitted back to NCEM, as state funding is considered supplemental to other available resources. Eligibility for the program is limited to individuals or units of local government that own an airport meeting specific operational criteria. Airports must either currently be operational or have been operational prior to Tropical Storm Helene but are now non-operational due to storm damage. Additional requirements include maintaining 24/7 fuel availability, having on-site aviation mechanics, ensuring continuous operational capability during emergencies, and entering into agreements with the state for facility access. Airports classified as Commercial Service Airports by the Federal Aviation Administration are explicitly excluded from eligibility. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal via email to NCEM. Applicants must include detailed project descriptions, scope of work, cost estimates, timelines, and evidence of organizational capacity to manage the project. Supporting documentation such as governing authority records and engineering reports may also be required. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including project impact on infrastructure recovery, enhancement of emergency preparedness, feasibility, and applicant experience. Priority is given to airports that demonstrate strong capacity to support regional disaster response efforts. The application timeline began with the release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity on March 9, 2026, followed by technical assistance workshops in early April. The final application deadline is June 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Award notifications are expected in July 2026, with grant agreements executed in August 2026. The period of performance for funded projects may extend up to 36 months from the date of award. This program does not explicitly indicate recurrence and appears to be tied to a specific disaster recovery appropriation.

Prioritize demonstrating both infrastructure recovery and measurable improvements to emergency preparedness; include detailed cost estimates and engineering support; clearly show operational readiness and regional impact