Atlanta airport forfeits $37M in FAA grants over DEI rules

Source: Fox 5 Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has reportedly forfeited more than $37 million in federal grant funding this summer after refusing to accept new terms tied to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The money was part of a larger $57 million package from the Federal Aviation Administration intended for restroom upgrades, taxiway repairs, and sustainability projects. While the city still qualifies for future funding, this year’s allocation has been lost.

The city has said the airport can pursue other financing options without disrupting passengers or service providers. Officials emphasized that federal money makes up less than 10% of the airport’s six-year, $10 billion capital improvement budget.

The backstory: Earlier this year, the Trump administration directed all recipients of U.S. Department of Transportation money to certify they do not operate DEI programs that could conflict with federal anti-discrimination law. The FAA added this language to its 2025 grant agreements.

While cities including New York, San Francisco, and Boston filed lawsuits challenging the mandate, Atlanta reportedly attempted to alter the grant documents to remove the DEI clause. FAA officials rejected the changes and gave Atlanta until Aug. 1 to comply. On July 29, airport general manager Ricky Smith informed the agency that the city could not sign the agreement with the new provisions. Days later, the FAA confirmed the funding would not be released.

Read more: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/atlanta-airport-forfeits-37m-faa-grants-over-dei-rules