Delaware airports will be receiving funds from a $10 billion pool created to help US airport operations hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state’s congressional delegation announced a total of $257,000 in grants wold come to four Delaware airports, but the big regional recipient is the Philadelphia International Airport which will receive $116,281,000 as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The delegation noted that many Delawareans work at and regularly use the Philadelphia airport.
The Cares Act funds are to be used to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus impacts, including support for continuing airport operations.”
In Delaware, the New Castle Airport received $157,000, Delaware Airpark in Dover received $30,000, Delaware Coastal Airport received $69,000, and Summit in Middletown received $1,000.
US Senator Tom Carper said the state’s airports are “economic drivers” for the state that are critical for supporting jobs and attracting visitors.
Earlier this month, Frontier Airlines announced they would be indefinitely postponing the planned passenger service to Orlando they intended to launch in May.
“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a real blow to airports across the country, including ours here in Delaware. As our airports grapple with an unexpected and extraordinary loss of revenue, this funding will help to support jobs and operations during this unprecedented time of hardship,” Carper said.
“Part of our work in Congress through the CARES Act is ensuring that we maintain critical infrastructure during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “This funding awarded to Delaware’s airports and those that support Delawareans will help ensure the continuity of their operations during this difficult time.”
