Press Releases

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced $2,255,000 in federal funding for the San Luis Obispo County Airport to improve the baggage screening system. The airport’s current system is too undersized and outdated to adequately meet current operational demand. The grant will fund a complete system replacement to improve the travel experience for passengers. 

“Given SLO’s beautiful landscapes, innovative companies, and acclaimed universities, it is no surprise that SLO County Airport welcomed a record-breaking number of passengers last year,” said Rep. Carbajal. “This federal funding will support necessary infrastructure upgrades, allowing the airport to accommodate the growing number of travelers coming into SLO County each year.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Carbajal and his team for their continued partnership and support of SLO County Airport. This funding supports the replacement of the terminal’s undersized outbound baggage screening system, to better meet current operational demand and enhance the travel experience for families and passengers traveling through our community airport. Investments like this are critical to maintaining safe, efficient and reliable service as passenger activity continues to grow,” said Courtney Johnson, Airport Director, SLO County Airport.

This funding is from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Airport Terminals Program. These grants provide funding for safe, sustainable and accessible airport terminals, airport-owned airport traffic control towers, and on-airport rail and bus projects that improve multimodal connections, ensuring a safe and seamless travel experience for families across the U.S.

Since its passage in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has delivered more than $1 billion in funding to projects up and down the Central Coast of California. As a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Carbajal played a key role in crafting and passing the landmark legislation in partnership with the Biden Administration.

Last fall, Carbajal announced over $3 million in funding for two airports in San Luis Obispo County for infrastructure improvements. SLO County Airport received $2,725,597 to construct a new 315-foot Taxiway B3 to bring the airport into conformity with current standards. Oceano Airport received $313,500 to reseal 2,325 feet of existing Runway 11/29 pavement to extend its useful life.