Costa Announces Millions in CARES Act Grant Money for Valley Airports

Statement

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) is pleased to announce that several San Joaquin Valley airports are the beneficiaries of a nearly $10 billion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program. Rep. Costa voted for the CARES Act to provide relief to critical industries, small business owners and American families to help get our economy back on track:

"Our aviation industry is just one of many suffering profound economic losses during this health crisis," said Costa. "These grants will help make up for the heavy losses suffered from the sharp decline in business operations and help prevent thousands of workers from losing their jobs."

The aviation grants are intended to help airports across the country to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus impacts, including support for continuing operations:

"We are tremendously appreciative to our Congressional delegation for their support and to the Department of Transportation for helping Fresno Yosemite International Airport continue serving the Central Valley region of California during this pandemic," said Kevin Meikle, Director of Aviation for Fresno Yosemite International Airport. "As an essential service provider, Fresno Yosemite International Airport is also a major economic engine for the region. The dedicated airport grant funding through the CARES Act ensures Fresno Yosemite International Airport will be able to continue operating during the crisis and as we begin to recover."

"We want to thank Rep. Jim Costa, for helping secure this funding during these difficult times," said Mayor Mike Murphy. "We will put this money to good use while operating and managing our airport. This grant will put many local residents to work as we move out of the current crisis."

Seven airports in the 16th Congressional district received more than $17 million in funding:

-Castle Airport in Atwater, $30,000
-Chowchilla Airport, $30,000
-Fresno Yosemite International Airport, $12,935,441
-Gustine Airport, Gustine, $30,000
-Los Banos Municipal Airport, $30,000
-Madera Municipal Airport, $69,000
-Merced Regional Airport, $16,885,618
-Turlock Municipal Airport, $30,000

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