The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748, Public Law 116-136) (PDF), signed into law by the President on March 27, 2020, includes $10 billion in funds 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. Under this new CARES Airport Program:
• Primary commercial service airports, with more than 10,000 annual passenger boardings, will receive additional funds based on the number of annual boardings, in a similar way to how they currently receive AIP entitlement funds.
• All commercial service airports will receive funds based on the number of passengers that board aircraft there, the amount of debt an airport has, and the amount of money the airport has in reserve.
• General aviation airports will receive funds based on their airport categories, such as National, Regional, Local, Basic and Unclassified.
Click on the links below for a list of CARES Act Grants for California Airports and the allocation calculated for each and the FAA’s CARES Act Airport Grants – Frequently Asked Questions:
CARES Act Grants for California Airports
CARES Act Airport Grants – Frequently Asked Questions
Even though grants have been allocated for these airports, your airport sponsor will need to contact their local Office of Airports field office and complete form SF 424 Application for Federal Assistance. For more details go to the FAA’s website page about the 2020 CARES Act Airport Grants.
ou can help by contacting your airport sponsor and fellow pilots in California and other States to notify them of this special grant program and application requirements.
