Tonko announces $5.4 million COVID relief for Albany Airport
WASHINGTON » Congressman Paul Tonko recently announced that Albany International Airport will receive a combined $5,412,267 to support COVID pandemic response at the facility.
Tonko helped advance the funding as part of the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act of 2020, passed by Congress last year. The funding includes economic relief for struggling airport concessions and funds the purchase of life-saving personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies and other measures to combat COVID-19.
“As our nation continues to face this COVID challenge, it is critical that we deliver needed relief that protects our communities and bolsters our economy,” Tonko said. “I was proud to help marshal an emergency COVID response package
through Congress last year, and I am gratified to see these vital investments coming through our Capital Region when we really need it.
“This funding will help protect local jobs, keep workers and families safe and lift up our economy. I will not rest until
I know our people, businesses and communities are getting the support they need to weather this crisis.”
“This Coronavirus Relief grant will enable the Airport Authority to continue to provide a safe environment for travelers and staff members and meet our ongoing operational expenses which have remained constant despite the significant drop in air travel,” said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority.
$5,091,757 will go to cover costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services and other measures taken to promote passenger safety.
$320,510 will go to deliver economic relief from rent and minimum annual guarantees to on-airport car rental, on-airport parking, and in-terminal concessions.
Since the start of this pandemic, Rep. Tonko has worked to advance a federal rescue that meets the needs of Americans in the Capital Region and beyond. Last week, he voted to advance the American Rescue Plan in the House, legislation that delivers a lifeline to struggling workers, families and communities, enacts a comprehensive national vaccination plan and provides resources to schools to support safe in-person learning.