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DOT Launches $1 Billion Grants to Make U.S. Airports More Family- and Health-Friendly

Officials invited broad airport proposals, emphasizing healthier options over price cuts.

Overview

  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the program at Reagan National alongside HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Farmer’s Fridge CEO Luke Saunders and two social media influencers.
  • Suggested projects include upgraded nursing rooms, family screening lanes, children’s play areas, exercise equipment or mini‑gyms, sensory rooms, and healthier concession options such as grab‑and‑go vendors.
  • Duffy said application guidelines are intentionally broad and invited airports to propose their own ideas for improving the passenger experience.
  • Pressed on high concession prices, Duffy said he has no plan to lower costs and characterized the effort as expanding access to healthier choices.
  • The rollout featured a public pull‑up contest that drew online criticism, and some coverage noted the $1 billion was previously authorized by Congress.