Rep. Wesley Bell Announces Nearly $5 Million in Federal Funding for St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) announced that the City of St. Louis has been awarded $4,902,750 through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. This funding will support the design phase of a new public-use deicing pad and containment facility at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.

This investment marks a major step forward in modernizing critical infrastructure at Lambert, boosting the airport’s operational efficiency during winter months and strengthening environmental protections around deicing procedures.

“This is a smart investment in St. Louis—one that makes our airport safer, more resilient, and more efficient,” said Congressman Bell. “It’s about keeping flights on schedule, protecting our environment, and making sure Lambert remains a competitive hub for travelers and businesses alike. I’m proud to help bring these federal dollars home.”

“This project will help us keep planes moving during winter weather, allowing St. Louisans to stay connected to the world, whether they’re traveling for business or leisure,” said St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. “I am grateful to Congressman Bell for his leadership in making this happen. This is the kind of federal collaboration necessary for St. Louis and the region to move forward.”

The new deicing pad will span more than 1.4 million square feet and help reduce delays caused by winter weather, while ensuring that runoff from deicing chemicals is properly contained and treated. This award covers the initial design phase of the project, laying the foundation for future construction.

The funding is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Infrastructure Grants program. Signed into law by President Biden in 2021, it supports critical upgrades to airport terminals, runways, and other aviation facilities across the country.

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