Nearly $10M of COVID-19 funds earmarked for Maine airports

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Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) said 31 airports throughout Maine would receive $9.7 million to aid in easing financial pressure faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like other airports around the world, Maine airports are struggling to make ends meet given the sharp downturn in passenger traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Collins, ranking member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, said. “This investment will help ensure that airports across the state will continue to serve as engines of job creation and essential pieces of our transportation network after the current public health and economic crisis has passed.”

The funding allotment was provided through the COVID-19 package signed into law in December, adding Collins co-led the group that negotiated the package.

The funds enable the airports to keep airport workers employed while also being used to address operating expenses to keep the facilities in a reliable and safe condition and handle debt service obligations.

The four airports receiving funding for operations, as well as for concessionaires, are Bangor International Airport – $2,650,935; Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport – $1,005,588; Portland International Jetport – $4,721,763; and Presque Isle International Airport – $1,007,336.

Officials noted 27 other general aviation airports would receive the remaining funds.