COLONIE — Albany International Airport will receive $15.28 million in federal relief funds under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Airport Grant Program, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Tuesday afternoon. The support is intended to help the airport as it sees a decline in passengers of as much as 95 percent in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Travel has dried up as government officials urge people to stay home to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Albany International Airport had just completed a 1,000-vehicle parking garage and other improvements. That garage and another are both now closed as the airport seeks to reduce utility and other costs.
“The Albany County Airport Authority is most grateful to learn that the Albany International Airport will be receiving $15.28 million under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Airport Grant Program,” said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. “Together, our nation’s airports are a vital economic engine that moves business and commerce throughout the country and the world while fueling our economy.
"The CARES funds will be dedicated to assisting the Airport Authority fund our substantial operating costs," Calderone added, "which have been impacted by a 95% decrease in passenger traffic and to assist the Authority meet its long and short-term debt obligations.”
In New York City, Kennedy International received $193.4 million while LaGuardia received $102.9 million.
Upstate, Buffalo Niagara International received $21.6 million, while Greater Rochester International and Syracuse Hancock International each received $12.9 million. Locally, Saratoga County and Schenectady County airports each received $69,000, as did Floyd Bennett Memorial in Warren County.