(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) is proud to announce the award of a $20 million grant through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This grant will fund vital facility accessibility improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience, particularly for individuals with accessibility needs, while also improving energy efficiency.
From Left to Right: Komal Kumar, Assistant Airport Director; Cody Mendoza, District Director, U.S. Congresswoman Katie Porter; Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director; Supervisor Katrina Foley, Orange County Board of Supervisors, Fifth District; Cathryn Cason, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) LA Airports District Office; and Michelle Aguirre, Interim County Executive Officer, County of Orange
The grant enables the renovation of 12 public restrooms within Terminals A and B, ensuring compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and other relevant building codes. The project will also improve efficiencies along the path of travel from the terminal entrance to these facilities, enhancing ease of access for all passengers. As part of the improvement efforts, JWA will install at least one Universal Changing Station in Terminal B’s Family Restroom and two nursing pods to provide families and nursing mothers with improved amenities. The project also includes the installation of energy-efficient lighting fixtures and controls to improve sustainability.
"This $20 million is an investment in John Wayne Airport as a vital gateway for Orange County’s business community,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District Supervisor. “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.”
Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District, 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," said Foley. "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 only 62 projects nationwide to receive funding from the highly competitive pool of 353 applicants requesting a total of $1.38 billion in project grants. The $20 million awarded to JWA will cover critical upgrades aimed at improving the overall passenger experience while promoting energy-efficient operations.
Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the project. "John Wayne Airport is a critical asset for Orange County, and these improvements will continue our efforts of inclusivity for all travelers," she said. "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."
The FAA highlighted the competitive nature of this grant and the importance of prioritizing accessibility and energy efficiency in airport improvement projects. "We are proud to support John Wayne Airport's efforts to improve accessibility and sustainability for its passengers," said an FAA spokesperson. "The Facility Accessibility Improvements project is one of many we are funding to ensure that airports across the country meet the needs of all travelers while contributing to environmental responsibility."
For more information on this project or to learn more about John Wayne Airport’s ongoing sustainability efforts, please visit https://www.ocair.com/capital-improvement-program/.