Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has lost $37.5 million in federal funding after the city of Atlanta declined to sign grant agreements that included provisions prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, according to Atlanta News First. The FAA confirmed it would not participate in multiple airport projects, including taxiway pavement replacement, terminal restroom renovations, and a north airfield safety project. The projects are valued at more than $50 million in total costs.
The dispute stems from an April letter from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stating that “any policy, program, or activity that is premised on a prohibited classification, including discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve so-called ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’, or ‘DEI’, goals, presumptively violates Federal law.”
Airport general manager Ricky Smith informed the FAA the city “cannot sign a grant offer and agreement requiring the city to agree to the newly included DEI and certain other provisions.”
Federal officials said the decision left the agency unable to release the funding.
City leaders emphasized that federal dollars make up less than 10 percent of the airport’s $2 billion budget.
A spokesperson for Mayor Andre Dickens said the city is “confident that the airport will be able to pursue alternative funding to advance these projects without impacting customers or airport service providers.” The spokesperson added the city is “evaluating all options to ensure alignment with our long-held values, local policy and federal law.”
FAA officials told Atlanta News First that Atlanta could regain roughly $19.6 million in future federal funding if policies are amended.
Hmm, its hilarious the Left will refuse or lose, “my tax money” funding to protect a racist agenda, go figure!
Okay, dinosaur. Clearly you don’t understand a thing about DEI. But sure, don’t let your ignorance get in the way of such a trite opinion.
Perhaps Mr Tromp doesn’t realize that there are Republicans and his MAGAts use work at and fly to and from ATL. So, he is in fact hurting his friends and supporters when he withholds funds.
Sadly, obsession with race over any other consideration continues to drag Atlanta down. The city boomed when it was the “city to busy to hate.” Now everything is focused on settling racial grievances from 60+ years ago. FAFO.
“Before entering politics, Duffy had various roles on reality television shows and was a sports commentator and professional logging sports (log rolling, speed climbing tall poles) participant. Nothing on his public bios suggests any experience with aviation, logistics, rail or road transportation.” Lets see, what do log rolling and a major aviation hub have in common…?
I am confused by this article. The FAA grant offer to Atlanta contained DEI terms that Atlanta Hartsfield had to agree to in order to accept the funds? But then Atlanta refused to sign because according to the letter from Duffy, that is a violation of Federal law?
Something doesn’t make logical sense here. If the FAA (key word Federal) has terms within a grant offer that violate Federal law, isn’t that the FAA’s mistake, and shouldn’t the FAA re-offer the grant with legal terms?
What am I missing?
It’s an article about an airport and federal funding. And, in no time at all, “leftist” and “racist” are part of the comments. So tired of having to wade through political diatribes when they are so unnecessary.
Regardless of your feelings about DEI programs distributing funds based on a president’s political agenda sets a very dangerous precedent. What if the next president makes funding contingent on following the administration’s gun or abortion polices? Airports need consistent funding to plan and carry out long term projects. The money shouldn’t be held hostage to a president’s political agenda.
Thank you, FlyerDon, for making a sensible point.
Did lack of experience or qualifications stop Buttigieg from running DOT? So far, Duffy has demonstrated logic and reason in knowledge of aviation related operations and decisions far beyond Buttigieg’s time with DOT.
Republicans and MAGAs are generally satisfied with the president’s decisions, and don’t feel they are being hurt by withholding funds in accordance with law.
Buttigieg is brilliant and I wish he could be president but it can’t happen due to bigotry on all sides.
Indeed, Bill. “Didn’t Earn It” is slowly dying off but with some kicking and screaming still left to go.
Atlanta will come to heel.
DEI, by its own definition is racist. Try harder. The absurdity of DEI and LGBTQRSTUVW+ is mindnumbingly obtuse and common sense people agree.
I feel sad for you. Such a wrongheaded and close minded mindset. Don’t know how you got that way, and I hope you find your way out some day.
FFS, u feel sorry for me? What are you smokin’… Theres a new sheriff in town, and the DEI, trans and LGBTQRSTUV+ hoax is gone! Wise up…
That only makes sense if you don’t consider DEI in itself to be a political agenda, but it is.
Did you really post here to tell all that you are OK with racism and sexism being practiced in hiring?
What qualifies him to be president?
Yes it’s about funding…and cause and effect. If you practice racism and sexism you don’t get funding.
Sorry. Just being gay isnt good enough to run a government agency!