LNAA receives over $6 million in economic relief from CARES Act

May 28th, 2020 | Airport News

Signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on March 27th

(Hanover Township, PA) – During a conference call with airport operators across the nation, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and leadership representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially announced the allocation of $10 billion in airport grants provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) has been notified that Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) will receive $6,191,170, with an additional $30,000 for Queen City Airport (XLL) in the City of Allentown.

“COVID-19 has decimated the aviation industry since early March, and our Lehigh Valley Airport System has not been spared from the effects of this pandemic. This funding certainly delivers a much needed boost to help alleviate significant financial burdens that will help the LNAA keep critical air transportation infrastructure safe and operational in the Lehigh Valley,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, LNAA.

The CARES Act (H.R. 748, Public Law 116-136) signed into law by the President Donald J. Trump on March 27, 2020, included this significant stimulus package to be awarded as economic relief to eligible U.S. airports affected by the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The LNAA can’t express enough gratitude to our federal leaders within the region (U.S. Senator Patrick Toomey, U.S. Senator Robert Casey Jr., and U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild) for their unwavering support in ensuring this relief was secured for airports,” said Stoudt.

According to the assistance grant, the LNAA may use these funds for any purpose for which airport revenues may be lawfully used including operational costs and airport improvement projects.

In addition, the FAA will provide a 100% Federal share for multi-year grants issued in FY 2020 under FY 2020 appropriations (Pub. L. 116-94).

The FAA plans to make these funds available in late April.  Additional information on the CARES Act funding for airports can be found at www.faa.gov/airports/cares_act/.