Two local airports will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a result of the CARES Act.
On March 27, President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act — also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act — into law. The act is a more than $2 trillion economic relief package.
Among the Pennsylvania airports receiving COVID-19 FAA grants are Bradford Regional Airport, which was awarded $69,000, and St. Marys Municipal Airport, which was awarded $20,000.
Also receiving a grant is the Pittsburgh International Airport, a partner of the Bradford airport. Southern Airways Express, the low-fare airline that provides service to Bradford Regional Airport, connects Bradford to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh International was awarded $36,066,209.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., announced the awards to Pennsylvania airports on Tuesday.
“Pennsylvania’s airports provide an essential service to travelers and stimulate our local economies,” said Casey. “With a steep decline in travel and revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our airports need help to continue operations and save employees’ jobs.”
While it remains open to flights, Bradford airport — along with airports across the country — has reported a major decline in passengers due to citizens being advised against nonessential travel.
Casey indicated he is glad airports will receive the extra funding.
“I was proud to advocate for our Commonwealth’s airports to receive funding from the CARES Act and I am pleased that the FAA plans to implement a streamlined grant process to expedite this funding for critical airport needs,” Casey added. “I will continue to work to ensure that our workers and our airports receive the resources they need to manage through this pandemic.”
According to a press release from Casey, 63 Pennsylvania airports will receive a combined total of more than $239 million in new funding.
Casey’s office reported that the FAA is awarding a total of $10 billion to airports nationwide. Airports can use the funding to continue operations and to pay their employees.
