U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., announced that Tampa International Airport will receive more than $81 million as part of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus that the White House and Congress agreed to at the end of last month.
Castor said on Tuesday that the airport will receive the funds through the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act” which included around $10 billion for “airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments.”
Tampa International is penciled in for $81,029,598 while two other airports in the area will also get federal funds. Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands will receive $69,000. Tampa Executive Airport will also get $69,000 as part of the federal stimulus package.
“Tampa International Airport is the pride of the Tampa Bay area and its employees are critical to our economic well-being. I’m proud to announce emergency aid to ensure continuity of operations for essential services,” said Castor on Tuesday.
“Air travel and support to the frontline workers who are keeping our airports safe and clean are fundamental to our economy. In the days ahead I’ll work to speed additional aid to boost our economy and ensure lifeline services, like air travel, continue here in Tampa,” Castor added.
“Tampa International Airport and the Authority’s three general aviation airports are critical economic drivers for the communities they serve,” said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. “This historic grant funding will provide much-needed relief to help mitigate the unprecedented and dramatic drop in business we’ve experienced and will ensure we’re able to recover and resume operations when that business returns. We’re thankful to Rep. Castor and our other federal and FAA partners for the work and consideration they’ve put into the CARES Act and for recognizing the importance of supporting airport infrastructure.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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