WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressman David Trone (D-Md.) today applaud the award of $4,122,800.00 in federal funding for the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport in Cumberland, Maryland. This award is disbursed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and appropriated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
This new funding will go towards rehabilitating the airport’s runway, protecting the structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize debris from foreign and miscellaneous objects.
“Local airports provide a critical connection between communities and economies throughout our state and region,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “Improving our airport infrastructure is critical for our recovery through the COVID-19 economic crisis. This investment will provide the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport with the federal resources they need to continue serving our communities, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth throughout the region.”
“The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport is a hub for local jobs and economic opportunity. This investment will help modernize key infrastructure so our regional airports continue to serve Maryland’s communities effectively and efficiently,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We will keep fighting for federal funds to support and grow our regional economies.”
“As our country fights this public health crisis, we need to look to the future and make sure that local airports have the resources to hit the ground running,” said Congressman David Trone. “The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport has played an integral role in keeping people connected and creating new opportunities for our community. This funding is an investment into the continued success of the airport and, in turn, the hardworking men and women who have kept it running.”
These funds are made available through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant and the authorized CARES Act funds waive local cost share requirements for Fiscal Year 2020. Lawmakers previously announced over $107 million in COVID-19 economic relief for Maryland airports. Additional information on how funding is distributed nationwide may be found through the FAA.