Schumer, Gillibrand Deliver Nearly $80 Million In Economic Relief To NYC And LI Airports For Operational And Cleaning Costs

U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $79,342,581 in federal funding for three major New York City and Long Island airports. Secured in the CARES Act championed by the senators, this funding was allocated through the Department of Transportation (DOT) and will serve as a lifeline to local airports struggling to stay afloat after more than a year of limited operations. This funding will help alleviate the cost required to meet increased safety standards and properly sanitize airports, including resources for janitorial services, supplies, and debt service payments. Additionally, this CARES Act funding will provide assistance for rent and minimum annual guarantees to on-airport car rental, parking, and in-terminal concessions. Airports and tourism play an important role in New York’s regional economies and have faced ongoing uncertainty as travel decreased due to the pandemic.  

“Air travel is vital to the connectivity and success of New York’s economy, which is why it is critical that we provide the funding necessary to keep the airports safe and efficient for travelers and transportation workers,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to deliver this funding for New York’s airports to improve air travel safety and quality, and I will continue to fight to make sure New York has the help it needs to recover from the health and economic crises caused by the pandemic.” 

“As New Yorkers return to air travel, we must ensure our airports are equipped to protect the health of both travelers and transportation workers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Personnel and sanitation costs will be a critical part of keeping airports afloat and aiding our economic recovery. This federal funding will provide New York City and Long Island’s airports with the resources needed to increase safety standards and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Funding Recipients Listed Below: