On March 3, 2009, the FAA issued guidance on the distribution of funds authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  In the Act, Congress provided $1.1 billion for distribution under the Airport Improvement Program for shovel-ready airport projects.  The FAA is treating the funds as pure discretionary, meaning that the funds are not subject to allocations and set-asides for particular use.  The FAA’s Stakeholder Guidance provides critical information on the criteria and process by which airport sponsors can secure stimulus funding.