The Federal Airport Act of 1946 created a federal program to develop civil aviation airports across the continental United States.
It authorized federal grants to support the progressive development of civil aviation infrastructure, facilitating the growth and modernization of airports.
The legislation mandated creating a national airport plan, which involved classifying airports as defined by the Civil Aeronautics Administration to ensure a coordinated approach to airport development, addressing commercial and general aviation needs.
The 79th United States Congress passed the measure, and President Harry S. Truman signed it into law on May 13, 1946.
