A consolidated TSA checkpoint is in the works at the Richmond airport

The big picture: RIC landed the grant as part of the FAA's Airport Terminals Program, which included nearly $57 million for three Virginia airports, lawmakers announced at the end of October.

• The airport's existing A and B checkpoints are more than 20 years old and can't keep up with RIC's growing passenger traffic, some of the state's congresspeople wrote to the FAA.

Zoom in: The federal funding will go toward the design of the new screening area, which is currently underway and could change from the rendering above, airport spokesperson Troy Bell tells Axios.

• Construction should begin at the end of 2026 and wrap up in early 2028, WRIC reported.

Fun fact: Once complete, the airport Applebee's will be inside the checkpoint area, making it easier for folks waiting for flights to "eat good in the [terminal] neighborhood."

• Plus, the change could open up space for new food or retail options, other than Applebee's.

What we're watching: The consolidated checkpoint is an important step toward the airport's next big improvement, international flights, Sen. Mark Warner said when delivering the check last week.