AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is expected to receive $58,735,130 through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the news Tuesday that $10 billion will go to 55 airports to provide support for critical operations, payroll and safety management support.
“This will allow us to mitigate financial losses from the COVID-19 event and continue to provide essential transportation services to those in our community who need to travel. While AUS is still working through the specifics of how funding will be applied, federal guidelines allow funds to be utilized for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments. AUS thanks our Congressional Delegation for helping ensure that AUS can remain operational and open for vital travel and cargo now and in the future,” a spokesperson for the Austin airport said in a statement.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is expected to receive $299,199,046 and George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH) is listed for $149,187,847, according to the FAA. The San Marcos Regional Airport will receive $157,000.
Several smaller area airports will also be receiving funds, including Georgetown, Llano, Lockhart and Taylor municipal airports, the Giddings-Lee County Airport and the Rusty Allen Airport in Lago Vista, Texas.
Passenger traffic has been down for the last several weeks at Austin’s airport by 80 to 90% compared to normal.
RELATED:
According to a budget briefing provided to the Austin City Council on April 7, AUS is expected to have severe impacts to its concession, landing fee and parking fee revenue streams because fewer people are flying.
“While it is no panacea for hard times our local airports are facing, this funding will help prevent Austin-Bergstrom from any freefall and maintain planned payroll as well as safety and construction work,” Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) said in a statement. “This investment allows local airports flexibility to deploy resources as needed. But so much more needs to be done; until we resolve our health care crisis, we cannot resolve our worsening economic crisis.”
“As Texas reels from the economic destruction caused by the coronavirus outbreak, it’s important our airports have the resources they need to weather the storm,” Sen. John Cornyn (TX) said. “I commend both the Trump Administration and leaders in the Austin area who worked to secure these funds during this trying time.”
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Unemployment Q&A with the Texas Workforce Commission
- Pflugerville resident who lost job due to COVID-19 charged late fees on rent
- As business for tenant lawyers ramps up, Austin residents are worried about paying rent
- Georgetown High School laser cuts face shields for medical professionals
- 25 state attorneys general ask U.S. Treasury to stop garnishments of COVID-19 relief payments
- Total Men's Primary Care rolls out coronavirus antibody testing; tests not approved by FDA
- You asked, we got answers: COVID-19 and unemployment questions
- LIST: Confirmed Central Texas coronavirus cases by county