File Photo
JFK International Airport is scheduled to receive more than $193 million.
By Forum Staff
New York airports that have been nearly grounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will soon receive a $411 million lifeline from the Federal Aviation Administration, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) announced Tuesday.
In Queens, John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports will get the lion’s share of the funding that was allocated through the CARES Act: JFK ($193,389,105); LaGuardia ($102,931,268).
The CARES Act provides funds to increase the federal share to 100 percent for the Airport Improvement Program and other grants already planned for fiscal year 2020. Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the additional funding and elimination of the local share will allow for critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned, despite the current financial impact of COVID-19 on airports.
Photo Courtesy of LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is scheduled to receive nearly $103 million.
“As a gateway for business, family connection and tourism, keeping New York’s airports safe, functioning and well-funded is crucial to the New York economy and way of life,” Schumer said. “This federal funding will offset the devastating financial impacts of COVID-19 on travel hubs throughout the state and allow New York airports to continue to work on essential services, like airport safety, and most importantly, will help New York airports have the tools they need to properly rebuild after the crisis is over. I’m proud to have fought for this funding to be included in the CARES act which will boost airports and the New York economy.”
According to Schumer and Gillibrand, the FAA was planning to begin releasing funding this month.
“Investing in airport safety and infrastructure promotes local economic development in our communities,” Gillibrand added. “New Yorkers are already feeling the devastating economic impact of COVID-19, and this funding from the CARES Act is a promising step toward restoring business, tourism, and mobility. I will always fight for resources that help our communities grow and thrive.”
