Submitted by Rep. Rick Larsen’s office

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on April 14 that Washington state airports will receive more than $310 million in critical COVID-19 relief funding provided under the CARES Act. The CARES Act, which the president signed into law on March 27, included $10 billion in federal grants to support commercial and general aviation airports across the United States.

“Aviation means jobs in Washington state. In Northwest Washington, airports are critical economic drivers that connect Washingtonians and local businesses to communities and markets across the country and the world,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “This emergency grant funding will help ensure airports across the state can continue to maintain operations and support the aviation workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The CARES Act was a necessary next step to protect Washingtonians’ health, safety and economic security, but it will not be the last. I will continue to work with local officials and Washington state’s congressional delegation to fight for critical COVID-19 relief.”

The Port of Friday Harbor is set to receive $1.055 million; Orcas, $1.041 million; Lopez, $30,000; and Friday Harbor Sea Plane Base, $20,000.

“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. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.