As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on travel, airports have struggled to cover expenses while implementing strategies to combat the spread of pathogens. The US Department of Transportation announced in December a new almost $2 billion federal grant program to assist airports.
As part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, commercial airports with more than 10,000 annual passengers will share $1.75 billion of the funds. Another $45 million will be shared between non-primary commercial service and general aviation airports. From the $45 million, $5 million will be divided equally between airports that participate in the FAA Contract Tower Program.
The grant program is designed to provide relief from rent and minimum annual guarantees to on-airport car rental, on-airport parking, and in-terminal airport concessions. Funds may be used for development and airport improvements but those activities must be related to reducing the spread of pathogens or improving social distancing. Funds may also be used for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, and debt service payments.
The deadline for grant applications is June 30, 2021. You can find more information about the program, a frequently asked questions page, and the application on the FAA’s website.
