The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation has announced the recipients of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Planning Grants. Five municipalities and regional planning organizations have been awarded funding to develop or enhance community-focused plans that incorporate cutting-edge AAM technologies through a partnership with NCDOT Aviation:
- City of Greensboro
- Town of Cary
- Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)
- Mid-Carolina Council of Governments
- Forsyth County
“These planning projects are about helping communities take the first steps toward understanding how advanced air mobility can meet local needs,” said Nick Short, director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “We’re excited to be part of the groundwork that will help communities plan and prepare for the opportunities this technology brings.”
“The USD1 million in funding will support a wide range of planning activities, including transportation needs assessments, land-use and infrastructure planning, multimodal integration strategies, feasibility studies, and policy and regulatory alignment,” said NCDOT in a press statement. “These foundational efforts will help communities prepare for new technologies like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drone-based delivery systems, setting the stage for their safe and efficient integration into existing transportation networks.
A key part of this program is public engagement to ensure residents have a voice in shaping how AAM services could benefit their communities. “Advanced air mobility isn’t just about new technology—it’s about creating new opportunities for communities,” said Short.
By gathering input early, communities will be empowered to make smarter, more inclusive decisions, laying the groundwork for infrastructure that directly aligns with local needs and priorities while also enhancing the long-term transportation planning process, concluded the NCDOT.
For more information
https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2025/2025-06-09-division-aviation-first-advanced-air-mobility-grants.aspx
(Image: NCDOT)