Baldwin Delivers $1.5 Million for Appleton Airport to Upgrade Energy Grid, Cut Energy Costs, and Minimize Disruptions

APPLETON, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) announced that with her support, the Appleton International Airport will receive $1.5 million to install a solar array and microgrid system with battery storage, cutting energy costs for the airport, improving resiliency, and ensuring the airport remains up and running during grid outages and severe weather.

“Our Made in Wisconsin economy relies on our regional airports to get travelers and goods from point A to B safe and sound, ensuring that folks can easily access every corner of our state. I’m committed to investing in the future of this vital infrastructure to keep passengers safe and our economy moving forward,” said Senator Baldwin. “I was proud to support this upgrade for the Fox Valley to cut energy costs, improve resiliency, and minimize disruptions for passengers.”

“This new award is part of a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the Appleton terminal, and will improve sustainability and resiliency of the airport,” said Abe Weber, Director of the Appleton International Airport. “We are grateful for the Federal Aviation Administration partnership and Senator Baldwin’s longstanding work to support the Fox Valley and address our community’s needs.”

The federal funding will be used to install a solar array and microgrid system that will enhance sustainability and ensure that the Airport remains operational during grid outages and adverse weather conditions, maintaining its essential role in emergency response and daily flight operations. The project also aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lowering the Airport’s long-term energy costs and carbon emissions.

In May, Senator Baldwin pushed the Biden Administration to support this project. The funding, made possible by the Baldwin-backed annual funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2023, comes through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which provides entitlement and discretionary grant funds for a network of more than 3,300 eligible airports.

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