Rep. Greg Stanton announced today that Arizona’s airports will see hundreds of millions of dollars in COVID-19 aid to support the aviation sector’s continued recovery. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was awarded $158 million from the American Rescue Plan, and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport was awarded $8.8 million. In total, airports in the state will get more than $196.7 million in emergency funds.
Stanton, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, has long advocated for Arizona’s airports and aviation workers.
“Our airports are critical economic engines for the region, and they’ll help drive our recovery,” said Stanton. “As more Americans get vaccinated and resume travel for business and leisure, these funds from the American Rescue Plan can be put to work right away to help our airports and vendors meet increasing demand and ensure passenger and staff safety.”
The funding, which provides economic relief to eligible commercial service, reliever, and general aviation airports, will help keep workers safe and employed by reimbursing operational expenses, debt service payments, and costs related to combating the spread of pathogens at the airport. Airports can also use the money to provide rent relief to in-terminal retail and concession companies. The funding requires that airports continue to employ at least 90 percent of their pre-pandemic employees for those airports that cover a majority of the traveling public.
A full breakdown of all funds awarded to Arizona airports is available HERE.